CVE-2018-5002 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player versions 29.0.0.171 and earlier have a Stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2025
Adobe Flash Player versions 29.0.0.171 and earlier contain a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that represents a critical security flaw in the multimedia runtime environment. This vulnerability resides within the player's handling of certain multimedia content and data structures, specifically affecting how the software manages memory allocation during processing of crafted input. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to write data beyond the bounds of a predetermined stack buffer, creating conditions where malicious actors can overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to corrupt stack data structures.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically occurs through maliciously crafted flash content delivered via web browsers or other applications that embed the Flash Player runtime. Attackers can leverage this weakness by constructing specially formatted multimedia files or web content that triggers the vulnerable code path when processed by the affected Flash Player version. Once successfully exploited, the attacker gains the ability to execute code with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This type of attack aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use Flash content to establish initial access and execute malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to target systems and enables further exploitation activities. The widespread deployment of Flash Player across various operating systems and browsers made this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it could affect users across multiple platforms. Organizations running affected versions faced significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's exploitation often requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly effective for drive-by download attacks that can compromise systems without user awareness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5002 centered on immediate remediation through patching and updating to supported Flash Player versions. Adobe released security updates that addressed the buffer overflow condition by implementing proper bounds checking and memory management practices. Organizations should have also implemented network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block malicious Flash content. Browser vendors responded by disabling Flash content by default or removing support entirely, recognizing the persistent security risks associated with the platform. Security teams should have conducted thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Flash Player versions and implemented comprehensive monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlighted the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and the dangers of running deprecated multimedia platforms that no longer receive security updates.