CVE-2017-3060 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player versions 25.0.0.127 and earlier have an exploitable memory corruption vulnerability in the ActionScript2 code parser. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2022
Adobe Flash Player version 25.0.0.127 and earlier contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability within its ActionScript2 code parser that presents a significant security risk to affected systems. This vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption flaws that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code remotely. The issue stems from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation processes within the parser component responsible for processing ActionScript2 code, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate memory structures and gain unauthorized control over affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows attackers to craft specially malformed ActionScript2 code that triggers memory corruption during parsing operations. When Flash Player processes such malicious code, the parser fails to properly validate input parameters and memory boundaries, leading to buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions. This flaw enables attackers to overwrite critical memory locations and inject their own executable code, potentially bypassing standard security mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the parser level where legitimate code processing occurs, making detection and prevention more challenging.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple attack vectors and system environments where Flash Player is installed. Organizations using older versions of Flash Player face significant risk as the vulnerability can be exploited through web browsers, email clients, or any application that embeds Flash content. Attackers can leverage this flaw to deliver malware payloads, establish persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges on compromised systems. The remote exploitation capability means that victims need only visit a malicious website or open a compromised email attachment to be vulnerable, making this attack vector particularly effective for widespread compromise operations.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the broader ATT&CK framework where it maps to execution techniques involving legitimate program execution and privilege escalation. The Common Weakness Enumeration classification for this vulnerability would fall under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which represents a fundamental memory safety issue. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of Flash Player installations to address this vulnerability, as Adobe released security updates specifically targeting this flaw. Additionally, implementing network-based controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional layers of protection while patches are deployed. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated Flash Player installations to prevent exploitation attempts targeting this memory corruption vulnerability.