External risk intelligence

Adobe Flash Player Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2011-0609

A vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player, Reader, and AIR could allow attackers to execute code, impacting systems and data. The flaw was exploited in the wild, creating a business risk. Exploitation requires user interaction with crafted content.

1Halo Surface Signal

Denial of Service

Adobe Flash Player

10.2.154.13 and earlier10.1.106.16 and earlier9.0 to 9.4.210.010.0.12.5.1 and earlier11.211.311.411.0before 10.0.648.134

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2011-0609

The vulnerability affects client-side software including Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Reader, and Adobe AIR. These applications typically operate on end-user workstations and are not internet-facing services, gateways, or APIs. Exploitation requires user interaction to open crafted content, which is consistent with a client-side, non-public-facing deployment pattern.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Reader, and Adobe AIR could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial-of-service. This could impact organizations by compromising systems and data. The flaw was actively exploited in the wild.

  • Unspecified software components
  • Remote code execution or denial-of-service
  • System compromise and data loss

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause an application to crash. The attack involves a specially crafted Flash file, potentially embedded within a document like an Excel spreadsheet. Exploitation in the wild was observed in March 2011.

  • Malicious Flash content is exposed.
  • Attacker provides crafted content.
  • Control is gained or application crashes.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability poses a significant risk as it can allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. The exploit was observed in the wild, indicating active malicious interest. The damage could include compromised systems, data theft, and disruption of business operations. Given the exploitability and potential impact, organizations should prioritize addressing this vulnerability.

  • Attackers with moderate skill.
  • Requires user interaction.
  • High business risk and urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An organization's response to this vulnerability should prioritize identifying and mitigating its impact. The vulnerability can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service, posing a significant risk. Given that the affected software is end-of-life, immediate action is crucial to prevent potential exploitation.

  • Find affected assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Remove vulnerable software.

Frequently asked questions

What software is affected by the Adobe Flash Player vulnerability and what versions are vulnerable?

The vulnerability affects Adobe Flash Player versions 10.2.154.13 and earlier on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Solaris, as well as version 10.1.106.16 and earlier on Android. It also impacts Adobe AIR versions 2.5.1 and earlier, and Authplay.dll in Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions 9.x through 9.4.2 and 10.x through 10.0.1 on Windows and Mac OS X.

How can an attacker exploit this Adobe Flash Player vulnerability and what is the weakness class?

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by using specially crafted Flash content, such as a .swf file embedded in an Excel spreadsheet, to remotely execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash). The weakness class is not explicitly specified in the provided details, but the outcome suggests a memory corruption or buffer overflow type of vulnerability.

What is the trigger path for this vulnerability, and does it involve user interaction or scope negation?

The trigger path involves a user interacting with crafted Flash content, likely embedded within a document such as an Excel spreadsheet. This requires user interaction, meaning an attacker cannot exploit it without the user opening the malicious file. There is no indication of scope negation described in the provided context.

Why is the Halo Surface Signal classifying this as 'Very unlikely' to be exploited against internet-facing systems?

The Halo Surface Signal classifies this as 'Very unlikely' because the affected software, including Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Reader, and Adobe AIR, are client-side applications. They typically run on end-user workstations and are not internet-facing services, gateways, or APIs. Exploitation also necessitates user interaction, aligning with a client-side exploitation pattern.

What is the recommended practical response for organizations to address this vulnerability, considering the software is end-of-life?

Given that the affected software is end-of-life, the primary response is to identify all instances of the vulnerable software within the organization's environment. The urgent priority is to remove or disable this software to prevent potential exploitation, thereby reducing the attack surface and isolating the risk. Organizations should not rely on patching but rather on complete removal.

References