External risk intelligence

Adobe Flash Player Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2014-0502

A programming flaw in Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR allowed remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. This could affect organizations using these products, leading to business risk and potential system compromise. Adobe has announced that these products are end-of-life and should be discontinued.

4Halo Surface Signal

Adobe Flash Player

before 11.7.700.26911.8.800.94 to before 12.0.0.70before 4.0.0.1628before 11.2.202.34111.412.313.1115.06.06.5

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2014-0502

The vulnerability affects Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR, which were client-side software ubiquitously deployed in web browsers and used to render internet-delivered multimedia content. Because these components were designed to process arbitrary, externally sourced web content by default, they frequently encountered internet-facing exposure in common user deployments.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This vulnerability exists in Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR, impacting systems that utilize these software components. The flaw allows for unauthorized code execution, which could lead to significant business risk. The core issue stems from a programming error that can be exploited to compromise system integrity.

  • Vulnerable Adobe software
  • Flaw allows code execution
  • Business risk and system compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker can leverage this vulnerability by presenting a specially crafted file to an affected system. This file can be delivered through various means, such as a link in an email or a website. When the user interacts with this file, it triggers a flaw in the software that allows the attacker to gain control. The attacker can then execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized access or modification of data.

  • Requires exposure to a malicious file.
  • Attacker accesses via a malicious file.
  • Triggering action leads to code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code. The software processes internet-delivered content, making it susceptible to exploitation through web-based attacks. Given the widespread use of these products in the past, the potential impact on organizations that have not updated or removed them is significant. The vendor has indicated that affected products are end-of-life and should be discontinued.

  • Attackers require no special skill.
  • Remote attackers can exploit this.
  • Business risk is high.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The risk is elevated as this exploit was actively used in the wild. Given that Adobe Flash Player has reached its end-of-life, organizations should prioritize discontinuing its use.

  • Identify all systems with Flash Player or AIR.
  • Remove or disable the affected software.
  • Monitor for related suspicious activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is Adobe Flash Player and what was it used for?

Adobe Flash Player was a software component that ran in web browsers and on some operating systems. It was used to display interactive content, videos, and applications delivered over the internet.

How does CVE-2014-0502 allow attackers to run code?

CVE-2014-0502 is a double free vulnerability. This is a programming error where a piece of memory is incorrectly freed twice, which can be exploited by attackers to manipulate program execution and run their own code.

What conditions are needed for an attacker to exploit CVE-2014-0502?

An attacker needs to present a specially crafted file to an affected system. Interaction with this file, often through a web link or a malicious website, triggers the vulnerability.

Who should be concerned about this vulnerability?

Anyone running affected versions of Adobe Flash Player or Adobe AIR should be concerned. These components often processed internet-delivered content, meaning they were frequently exposed to external threats.

What's the first step to address CVE-2014-0502?

Since Adobe Flash Player is end-of-life, the primary step is to identify and remove or disable it from all systems to prevent potential exploitation.

References