External risk intelligence

Adobe Flash Player Sandbox Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2013-0643

A vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player's sandbox could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by presenting crafted SWF content. This poses a risk to organizations as the affected software is end-of-life and no longer supported.

4Halo Surface Signal

Adobe Flash Player

before 10.3.183.6711.0 to before 11.6.602.17111.0 to before 11.2.202.2736.05.96.411.412.11011

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2013-0643

The vulnerability exists in Adobe Flash Player, a browser plugin that was historically ubiquitous in web browsers and commonly encountered during normal internet browsing. Because it was designed to execute arbitrary SWF content delivered via websites, it represents a client-side component frequently exposed to internet-sourced content.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Adobe Flash Player, within its Firefox sandbox, did not properly restrict privileges. This flaw allowed remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through specially crafted SWF content. The vulnerability created a significant risk for organizations relying on the affected software.

  • Adobe Flash Player sandbox
  • Privilege restriction failure
  • Arbitrary code execution possible

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

Attackers can exploit a vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player's sandbox to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This occurs when a user encounters specially crafted SWF content through a web browser. The vulnerability stems from the sandbox not properly restricting privileges, allowing the crafted content to bypass security measures.

  • Exposure via crafted SWF content.
  • Attacker executes arbitrary code.
  • Bypasses sandbox privilege restrictions.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The ease of exploitation and potential for severe impact necessitate prompt attention to mitigate business risk. Organizations utilizing the affected versions of Flash Player should consider this a high-priority issue due to the potential for widespread compromise.

  • Attackers require minimal skill.
  • Exploitation occurs through user interaction.
  • High business risk; urgent remediation.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The organization must address a vulnerability impacting Adobe Flash Player, which could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. This risk is associated with a product that has reached its end-of-life and is no longer supported by the vendor. Continued use of this product presents a significant business risk.

  • Identify all instances of Adobe Flash Player.
  • Discontinue use of Adobe Flash Player.
  • Monitor for related security incidents.

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary software impacted by CVE-2013-0643, and what is its general function?

The primary software impacted by CVE-2013-0643 is Adobe Flash Player. It historically functioned as a browser plugin that allowed for the execution of rich interactive content, such as animations and applications, delivered via SWF files.

How does the vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player's sandbox function, and what weakness class does it represent?

The vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player's sandbox is a privilege restriction failure (CWE-269). It means the sandbox did not properly limit the privileges granted to the SWF content, making it easier for attackers to execute arbitrary code.

What is the trigger path for exploiting CVE-2013-0643, and does it involve scope negation?

The trigger path for exploiting CVE-2013-0643 involves a user encountering specially crafted SWF content, typically through a web browser. The vulnerability does not appear to involve scope negation; rather, it's a direct bypass of sandbox privilege restrictions.

Why is CVE-2013-0643 considered a relevant threat, especially given its age?

CVE-2013-0643 is relevant because Adobe Flash Player was once ubiquitous and clientside components like it are frequently exposed to internet-sourced content. While the product is end-of-life, any remaining instances could still be exploited if not properly managed, posing a risk to organizations.

What practical steps should be taken to address the risk posed by CVE-2013-0643, considering the product's lifecycle status?

Since Adobe Flash Player has reached its end-of-life and is no longer supported, the practical response is to discontinue its use. This involves identifying all installations and actively monitoring for any related security incidents, as continued usage presents a significant business risk.

References