CVE-2015-5123 is a critical use-after-free vulnerability in the BitmapData class within the ActionScript 3 (AS3) implementation of Adobe Flash Player. This flaw affects multiple versions of Adobe Flash Player, specifically versions 13.x through 13.0.0.302 on Windows and OS X, 14.x through 18.0.0.203 on Windows and OS X, and 11.x through 11.2.202.481 on Linux. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) through crafted Flash content that overrides a valueOf function. This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild since July 2015.
The severity of CVE-2015-5123 is classified as critical, with a CVSS score of 9.8. This indicates a high level of risk to organizations still using affected versions of Adobe Flash Player. The attack vector is network-based, and the complexity of the attack is low, making it easier for attackers to exploit this vulnerability. Given the widespread use of Adobe Flash and its critical nature, organizations must act swiftly.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and execution of malicious code, leading to severe operational disruptions and data breaches. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate this vulnerability. The impacted product is end-of-life and should be disconnected if still in use.
As of the latest information, there are no known exploits confirmed publicly, but this vulnerability has been part of the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating its active exploitation in the wild.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via crafted Flash content. It has been categorized under CWE-416, which refers to use-after-free vulnerabilities. The primary affected product is Adobe Flash Player, with a critical CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a significant risk to users.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of memory, specifically within the BitmapData class when the valueOf function is overridden. Attackers can exploit this flaw by sending malicious Flash content that triggers the use-after-free condition, leading to arbitrary code execution or a denial of service.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, meaning it can be exploited remotely without needing physical access to the target system. The attack complexity is low, as no special conditions or privileges are required to execute the exploit. There is no user interaction needed, increasing the risk of successful exploitation.
The impacts of this vulnerability are severe, with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, alteration of data integrity, and disruption of service.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2015-5123 is significant, particularly for organizations that continue to use Adobe Flash Player, which is now end-of-life. This vulnerability poses a substantial threat to organizational security, potentially leading to data breaches and operational disruptions. The urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability is critical given its high CVSS score and active exploitation history.
The potential blast radius of this vulnerability is broad, affecting multiple operating systems and configurations. Organizations must assess their exposure and take immediate steps to mitigate risk.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Affected versions include Adobe Flash Player 13.x through 13.0.0.302, 14.x through 18.0.0.203, and 11.x through 11.2.202.481 on Linux systems. Organizations should consider all versions prior to vendor patch as vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations must take immediate action to mitigate CVE-2015-5123. As the product is end-of-life, the best course of action is to disconnect Adobe Flash Player from any network if it is still in use. Patching is no longer an option, and organizations should consider alternative solutions to replace Flash Player.
For organizations seeking to enhance their security posture, engaging in penetration testing services can help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their systems.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring for unusual behavior in applications using Adobe Flash Player is critical. Organizations should implement logging mechanisms to capture indicators of exploitation attempts, such as abnormal memory usage or application crashes. Additionally, network signatures may help identify malicious Flash content attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2015-5123 lies in the lessons it provides about the security risks associated with outdated software. This vulnerability represents a pattern where legacy systems remain in use despite known vulnerabilities, exposing organizations to unnecessary risk.
Security teams must prioritize the retirement of end-of-life products like Adobe Flash Player and look for modern alternatives. Engaging in a proactive strategy of vulnerability management programs will strengthen defenses against similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Furthermore, regular engagement in penetration testing methodology will help organizations identify and remediate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)