CVE-2017-3002 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2023
Adobe Flash Player versions 24.0.0.221 and earlier have an exploitable use after free vulnerability in the ActionScript2 TextField object related to the variable property. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3002 resides within Adobe Flash Player versions 24.0.0.0.221 and earlier, representing a critical use after free flaw that specifically impacts the ActionScript2 TextField object's variable property handling mechanism. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, which encompasses use after free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating potential opportunities for malicious code execution. The flaw manifests in the improper memory management of TextField objects when the variable property is manipulated, creating a scenario where freed memory regions can be reused or accessed by attackers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the TextField object's variable property within ActionScript2 code, which allows attackers to trigger a use after free condition during memory deallocation processes. When the Flash Player processes certain operations on TextField objects with specific variable property configurations, it fails to properly validate memory references, leading to a situation where freed memory blocks can be reallocated and accessed by subsequent operations. This memory corruption scenario enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Flash Player process, potentially compromising the entire system.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3002 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based execution and T1203 for exploitation for execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads through crafted Flash content, potentially bypassing traditional security controls that do not inspect Flash content. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, often only visiting a compromised website hosting malicious Flash content, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios. The affected Flash Player versions were widely distributed across enterprise and consumer environments, amplifying the potential attack surface and making this vulnerability a prime target for nation-state actors and cybercriminal organizations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3002 require immediate remediation through Adobe's official security patches, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively addressed through configuration changes or network-level controls alone. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all Flash Player installations are updated to versions that contain the necessary memory management fixes. The vulnerability's exploitation potential necessitates immediate action, as Adobe has indicated that this flaw was actively being exploited in the wild. Security teams should also implement network-based detection measures to identify and block malicious Flash content, while monitoring for unusual memory access patterns or exploitation attempts targeting Flash Player components. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict Flash Player execution and transition away from Flash-based content to modern web standards that provide better security assurances and memory management practices.