External risk intelligence

Adobe Flash Player Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2015-7645

This vulnerability affects Adobe Flash Player, which is a client-side application typically installed on end-user workstations. It is not a server-side, internet-facing service, gateway, or management interface, and its exposure is limited to the local execution environment of the client software.

Adobe Flash Player

18.0.0.160 to 18.0.0.25219.0.0.18519.0.0.20711.2.202.535 and earlier11.413.113.211125.06.06.7

Halo Surface Signal: 1 out of 5 — much less likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Adobe Flash Player contains a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. This flaw is related to how the software handles certain files. The impact can include the unauthorized execution of code on affected systems.

Vulnerable: Adobe Flash Player
Flaw: Arbitrary code execution
Impact: Unauthorized code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems through a specially crafted SWF file. The attack requires an endpoint to encounter a malicious file, which can then be used to gain unauthorized control. Organizations that still have Adobe Flash Player installed may be at risk if endpoints access malicious content.

Exposure condition: Local system.
Attacker starting point: Not specified.
Trigger and result: Malicious SWF file execution, arbitrary code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player could permit attackers to execute arbitrary code through specially crafted files. The exploit, which was active in October 2015, targeted specific versions of Flash Player across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face the risk of system compromise, leading to potential data loss or unauthorized access.

Attackers with low skill levels.
Requires user interaction.
High business risk.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems through a specially crafted SWF file. Exploitation in the wild was documented in October 2015, indicating a significant risk to organizations using the affected versions. Organizations should prioritize identifying and mitigating this risk to protect systems and data from potential compromise.

Find affected Adobe Flash Player installations.
Reduce exposure or isolate affected systems.
Apply vendor fixes, verify, and monitor.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

Free EASM Trial See How Signal Works

Frequently asked questions

What is Adobe Flash Player and its purpose?

Adobe Flash Player was a software application used to stream and display multimedia content, including animations, videos, audio, and rich internet applications. It ran as a browser plug-in or as a standalone application, executing content from SWF files.

How does CVE-2015-7645 facilitate arbitrary code execution?

CVE-2015-7645 is an arbitrary code execution vulnerability where a specially crafted SWF file could trick Adobe Flash Player into running malicious commands chosen by an attacker, granting them control over the affected system.

What are the conditions for an attacker to exploit CVE-2015-7645?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by enticing a victim to open a crafted SWF file, either through email or by tricking them into visiting a website with embedded malicious code. The exploit can also be delivered via malicious JavaScript that redirects users to the SWF file.

What is the relevance of CVE-2015-7645 according to Halo Surface Signal?

Halo Surface Signal classifies this CVE as 'Very unlikely' to be a significant external threat because it affects Adobe Flash Player, a client-side application, rather than a server-side, internet-facing service. Its exposure is limited to the local execution environment of the client software.

What actions should be taken regarding CVE-2015-7645?

Given that Adobe Flash Player is end-of-life, the primary response is to disconnect any remaining installations if still in use. Organizations should also identify and isolate affected systems and apply any available vendor fixes. Given its inclusion in exploit kits, addressing this vulnerability with high priority is recommended.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.