CVE-2017-3059 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player versions 25.0.0.127 and earlier have an exploitable use after free vulnerability in the internal script object. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2022
Adobe Flash Player contained a critical use after free vulnerability in its internal script object handling mechanism that affected versions 25.0.0.127 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper memory management where a script object is freed from memory but continues to be referenced or accessed by subsequent operations within the Flash Player runtime environment. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly track object references and their lifecycle, creating a window where freed memory can be reallocated and accessed, leading to potential code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft malicious Flash content that triggers the specific memory management error. When Flash Player processes the crafted content, it executes code that causes a script object to be freed while still maintaining references to it. This creates a scenario where subsequent memory operations can overwrite the freed memory location with attacker-controlled data, enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the core runtime level of Flash Player, allowing attackers to bypass standard security mechanisms and execute malicious code with the privileges of the Flash Player process.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3059 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a fundamental flaw in Flash Player's memory management architecture that can be leveraged for sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes use after free conditions in software, and falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web browsers, email attachments, and malicious websites, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where Flash Player remains widely deployed. Organizations that continue to support legacy Flash content face significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction once the malicious content is loaded.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Flash Player to versions that address the memory management flaw, as Adobe released security updates specifically targeting this issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all Flash Player installations are updated promptly. Additionally, security controls such as browser sandboxing, content filtering, and disabling Flash Player entirely should be considered as interim measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices and highlights the risks associated with legacy software components that continue to receive security updates. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Flash Player versions and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack surface exposure.