External risk intelligence

Adobe Flash Player Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2014-0497

An integer underflow vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. This impacts systems running affected versions of Flash Player on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. The realistic business risk involves unauthorized code execution, potentially leading to broader system comprom

4Halo Surface Signal

Adobe Flash Player

before 11.2.202.336before 11.7.700.26111.8.800.94 to before 12.0.0.44before 32.0.1700.1075.06.06.511.412.313.111

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2014-0497

Adobe Flash Player was a ubiquitous browser plugin designed to process external, internet-sourced media content. It was commonly deployed as an internet-facing component within web browsers, making it reachable by any malicious website or advertisement, which effectively constitutes an internet-facing attack surface.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

An integer underflow flaw in Adobe Flash Player could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability exists in specific versions of Flash Player on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. The potential impact includes unauthorized code execution, which can lead to broader system compromise.

  • Vulnerable component: Adobe Flash Player
  • Core weakness: Integer underflow
  • Main business impact: Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An integer underflow vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. This occurs through unspecified vectors in affected versions of Flash Player on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. The vulnerability stems from an integer underflow weakness within the software's processing capabilities.

  • Exposure condition: Internet-facing Flash Player.
  • Attacker starting point: Remote access.
  • Trigger and result: Unspecified vectors lead to code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk due to the potential for attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely. Attackers with a low skill level could exploit this weakness without needing any prior access or specific conditions on the target system. The widespread use of the affected software in the past indicates a broad potential attack surface, and the ability to execute arbitrary code can lead to severe business disruption. Organizations should treat this as a high-priority issue.

  • Attackers require no special skill.
  • No access or conditions are needed.
  • High business risk, treat as urgent.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An integer underflow vulnerability was identified in Adobe Flash Player affecting specific versions on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. This vulnerability could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. The affected product has reached its end-of-life and is no longer supported by the vendor.

  • Find systems with exposed Adobe Flash Player.
  • Discontinue use of the affected product.
  • Monitor for related security issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is Adobe Flash Player and its role in web content delivery?

Adobe Flash Player was a browser plugin software used to deliver rich multimedia content, such as animations, games, and video, directly within web pages. It was widely used for interactive web experiences before more modern web technologies became prevalent.

How does the integer underflow weakness (CWE-191) function in CVE-2014-0497?

This vulnerability, identified as an integer underflow (CWE-191), occurs when a program attempts to process a number smaller than its minimum storable value. In Adobe Flash Player, this could be exploited through unspecified methods to allow attackers to execute arbitrary code.

What are the trigger paths and scope of impact for CVE-2014-0497?

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through unspecified vectors, allowing for remote code execution. The scope of impact is not limited by specific user interaction or privileges, meaning an attacker can execute arbitrary code remotely on affected systems.

What is the relevance of CVE-2014-0497, considering its inclusion in the Halo Surface Signal?

Adobe Flash Player was a common internet-facing browser plugin, making it accessible via malicious websites. Its inclusion in the Halo Surface Signal suggests a likely exploitable attack surface due to its widespread deployment and function of processing external media content.

What is the recommended practical response for CVE-2014-0497?

The affected Adobe Flash Player versions are end-of-life and unsupported. The primary response is to discontinue use of the product. Organizations should identify systems with exposed Adobe Flash Player and transition to supported alternatives.

References