External risk intelligence

Adobe Flash Player Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2015-3113

A memory management flaw in Adobe Flash Player allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. This can lead to system compromise and data breaches for affected organizations. The business risk is significant due to potential unauthorized access and operational disruption.

4Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Adobe Flash Player

before 13.0.0.29614.0.0.125 to before 18.0.0.194before 11.2.202.46811.413.113.212before 7.5.0before 7.57.66.06.6

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2015-3113

This vulnerability affects Adobe Flash Player, a client-side browser plugin that was historically used to render content on public-facing websites. Because it is designed to execute code embedded in web pages, it is regularly exposed to untrusted, internet-originated content during normal web browsing activities.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Adobe Flash Player contains a memory management flaw that could be exploited by attackers. This vulnerability allows for the execution of arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized control over affected systems. The business impact could include the compromise of sensitive data and disruption of operations for organizations relying on the vulnerable software.

  • Vulnerable Adobe Flash Player
  • Heap-based buffer overflow
  • Arbitrary code execution and system compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

Attackers can exploit a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player to execute arbitrary code. This attack is possible through unspecified vectors, meaning an attacker could potentially trigger it through various means. The vulnerability allows for remote code execution, which could lead to broader system compromise. The exploitation of this vulnerability was observed in the wild in June 2015.

  • Requires external exposure.
  • Attacker sends malicious code.
  • Result is arbitrary code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk due to the potential for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. The exploitability is high, as it can be triggered through unspecified vectors, suggesting a broad range of attack methods. Given that this vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild, it demands immediate attention to mitigate potential business disruption and data compromise. The affected software is also considered end-of-life, further increasing the urgency for remediation.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low.
  • Required access or conditions: Network access, no user interaction.
  • Business risk or urgency: Critical.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The organization should take immediate action to address a critical vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player. This flaw could permit remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, posing a significant risk to affected systems and data. The impact of this vulnerability could include unauthorized access, system compromise, and potential data breaches.

  • Identify all systems running vulnerable versions of Adobe Flash Player.
  • Disable or remove Flash Player where feasible.
  • Apply vendor updates and validate their implementation.

Frequently asked questions

What is Adobe Flash Player and what was its purpose?

Adobe Flash Player was a browser plugin used for delivering rich web content like interactive applications, games, and videos. It enabled dynamic and engaging online experiences before its discontinuation.

What type of weakness does CVE-2015-3113 represent?

CVE-2015-3113 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122). This occurs when an application attempts to store data beyond the allocated memory buffer, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory and execute arbitrary code.

How can CVE-2015-3113 be exploited?

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through unspecified vectors, meaning various methods could be used to trigger the heap-based buffer overflow. This can lead to remote code execution without requiring specific user interaction or privileges.

What is the relevance of CVE-2015-3113, considering its history?

This vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild in June 2015. Its relevance is heightened because Adobe Flash Player, the affected software, is end-of-life, making it a persistent risk if still present in environments. CISA noted its exploitation in their Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.

What are the recommended actions for addressing this vulnerability?

Immediate action is recommended. This includes identifying all systems with vulnerable versions of Adobe Flash Player, disabling or removing the software where possible, and applying any available vendor updates to mitigate the risk of arbitrary code execution and system compromise.

References

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI)

Sources: malpedia