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CVE-2017-11292: High Vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player

A high-severity vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately to mitigate risks.

HIGHKnown ExploitedCVSS 8.8 · Published October 22, 2017

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Adobe Flash Player version 27.0.0.159 and earlier has a flawed bytecode verification procedure, which allows for an untrusted value to be used in the calculation of an array index. This can lead to type confusion, and successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.8, classifying it as high severity, indicating a significant risk to organizations that utilize affected versions.

Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access and control over affected systems. Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers to perform malicious actions, potentially compromising sensitive data or disrupting services. Given the high exploitability of this flaw, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.

The vulnerability is known to be listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating that it is actively exploited in the wild. Organizations using Adobe Flash Player should assess their exposure and take immediate action to remediate this vulnerability.

As Adobe Flash Player has reached end-of-life, the urgency for organizations still using this software is heightened. They are advised to disconnect these systems from the network to prevent potential exploitation.

Vulnerability Details

The Adobe Flash Player vulnerability (CVE-2017-11292) is characterized by its flawed bytecode verification procedure. The specific CVSS vector is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, denoting a network attack vector, low attack complexity, no required privileges, and user interaction required for exploitation. The potential impacts are high, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

This vulnerability affects multiple products, including various versions of Adobe Flash Player and Red Hat Enterprise Linux components. The disclosure date for this vulnerability was October 22, 2017, and it remains a significant concern for organizations that have not transitioned away from Adobe Flash.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper verification of bytecode in Adobe Flash Player. This flaw allows an untrusted value to be used in the calculation of an array index, leading to type confusion. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability over a network, requiring user interaction to exploit it.

The attack complexity is classified as low, making it easier for attackers to exploit this vulnerability. No privileges are required for exploitation, but user interaction is necessary. The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all rated as high, signifying a critical threat to systems utilizing vulnerable versions of Adobe Flash Player.

Risk & Impact Analysis

Organizations that continue to use Adobe Flash Player are at significant risk due to this vulnerability. The potential for unauthorized code execution means that attackers could gain control of affected systems, leading to data breaches or service disruptions. The blast radius of such an attack could be extensive, especially in environments where Flash Player is widely deployed.

Given that this vulnerability is actively exploited, organizations should assess their risk and prioritize remediation based on the CVSS score of 8.8, which indicates high severity. The urgency for patching is critical, as the software is no longer supported by the vendor.

Organizations are urged to disconnect any systems still using Adobe Flash Player from the network to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Transitioning to supported alternatives is highly recommended.

Exploitation Status

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

Yes

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

The affected versions include Adobe Flash Player 27.0.0.159 and earlier, as well as related components in Red Hat Enterprise Linux, including enterprise_linux_desktop, enterprise_linux_server, and enterprise_linux_workstation. All versions prior to vendor patch are affected.

Mitigation & Remediation

Organizations should ensure that all instances of Adobe Flash Player are updated to the latest version. Since Adobe Flash has reached end-of-life, organizations using it should disconnect affected systems from their networks to prevent potential exploitation. For further assistance, organizations may refer to the penetration testing services to identify any remaining vulnerabilities.

Detection Guidance

To detect exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor logs for unusual behavior, such as unexpected crashes or unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in user interactions with Adobe Flash Player should be closely examined, as they may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

The long-term significance of CVE-2017-11292 highlights the ongoing risks associated with unsupported software. This vulnerability represents a pattern seen in many legacy systems where flaws can lead to severe impacts if not addressed. Security teams should learn from this case to ensure they prioritize transitioning away from end-of-life products and implement robust security measures for legacy systems.

Organizations should consider reviewing their software portfolios and conducting penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in their applications. As part of a broader security strategy, implementing continuous monitoring practices is essential to detect and respond to emerging threats.

Moreover, organizations may benefit from reviewing their policies around software updates and vulnerability management to enhance their security posture against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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