CVE-2017-3081 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player versions 25.0.0.171 and earlier have an exploitable use after free vulnerability during internal computation caused by multiple display object mask manipulations. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2019
Adobe Flash Player contained a critical use after free vulnerability in version 25.0.0.171 and earlier that stemmed from improper memory management during display object mask operations. This vulnerability classified under CWE-416 represents a classic memory safety issue where freed memory blocks were still being accessed or referenced by subsequent operations. The flaw occurred during internal computation processes involving multiple display object mask manipulations, creating a scenario where memory allocated to display objects could be deallocated while still being referenced by active processes or callbacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involved manipulating display object masks in a manner that triggered the use after free condition, allowing attackers to control memory pointers and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Flash Player process. This type of vulnerability falls within the ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation. The attack surface was particularly concerning as Flash Player was widely deployed across operating systems and browsers, making it an attractive target for adversaries seeking persistent access to systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extended beyond simple code execution to include potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers could leverage the use after free condition to inject malicious code into memory spaces, potentially bypassing security controls such as data execution prevention and address space layout randomization. The vulnerability's exploitation required careful crafting of display object operations and memory manipulation sequences, making it suitable for advanced persistent threat actors who could develop sophisticated attack chains. Organizations running affected Flash Player versions faced significant risk of unauthorized access and system compromise, particularly in environments where Flash Player remained active despite its known security issues.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability included immediate patching of Flash Player installations to versions containing memory management fixes and the complete removal of Flash Player from systems where possible. Security teams should have implemented application whitelisting policies to prevent Flash Player execution and monitored for suspicious memory access patterns or unexpected code execution. The vulnerability highlighted the importance of regular security updates and the dangers of running outdated software components, particularly those with complex memory management operations. Organizations should have also considered implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls to block malicious Flash content and established incident response procedures for handling potential exploitation attempts.