CVE-2018-5007 in Flash Player
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Flash Player 30.0.0.113 and earlier versions have a Type Confusion 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 • 04/06/2023
Adobe Flash Player contains a critical type confusion vulnerability that arises from improper handling of object types during runtime execution. This vulnerability exists in versions 30.0.0.113 and earlier, where the player fails to properly validate type information when processing multimedia content, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate object references and execute malicious code. The flaw stems from the player's insufficient type checking mechanisms that allow attackers to craft specially crafted flash content capable of exploiting this weakness.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which describes null pointer dereference conditions, though in this case the confusion occurs during type validation rather than pointer handling. When Flash Player processes malformed or malicious ActionScript code, it may incorrectly interpret object types leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to gain arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the runtime level where type information is manipulated to bypass normal execution flow and gain control over the application's memory space.
This type confusion vulnerability presents significant operational impact as it allows remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage or opening a compromised flash file. The exploit can be delivered through various vectors including web browsers, email attachments, or malicious websites that leverage Flash Player's widespread deployment across different platforms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by Flash Player's extensive use in enterprise environments and its ability to execute code with the privileges of the current user.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5007 should prioritize immediate remediation through patching Adobe Flash Player to versions 30.0.0.113 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement strict browser security policies that disable Flash Player entirely or restrict its execution to trusted domains only. Network-level controls including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious flash content before it reaches end users. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, making it a critical target for defensive measures. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk for privilege escalation attacks and should be prioritized in vulnerability management programs alongside other critical security flaws.