Adobe Flash Player Arbitrary Code Execution
CVE-2012-1535 is a high-severity improper input validation vulnerability in Flash Player from Adobe, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists versions 11.3.300.271, 11.2.202.238 as the first without the flaw, so updating Flash Player to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on March 3, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update Flash Player to 11.3.300.271 or 11.2.202.238, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- CISA's required action: The impacted product is end-of-life and should be disconnected if still in use.
- Read the advisory on adobe.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe | Flash Player | before 11.3.300.271; before 11.2.202.238 | 11.3.300.271, 11.2.202.238 |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Desktop | 5.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Server | 5.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Workstation | 5.0 | Not stated |
| openSUSE | Opensuse | 11.4; 12.1 | Not stated |
| SUSE | Linux Enterprise Desktop | 10 | Not stated |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 9.3 | High | NVD |
Official description
Unspecified vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player before 11.3.300.271 on Windows and Mac OS X and before 11.2.202.238 on Linux allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via crafted SWF content, as exploited in the wild in August 2012 with SWF content in a Word document.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Input Validation
The product receives input or data, but it does not validate or incorrectly validates that the input has the properties that are required to process the data safely and correctly.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Consider using language-theoretic security (LangSec) techniques that characterize inputs using a formal language and build recognizers for that language. This effectively requires parsing to be a distinct layer that effectively enforces a boundary between raw input and internal data representations, instead of allowing parser code to be scattered throughout the program, where it could be subject to errors or inconsistencies that create weaknesses.
- Use an input validation framework such as Struts or the OWASP ESAPI Validation API. Note that using a framework does not automatically address all input validation problems; be mindful of weaknesses that could arise from misusing the framework itself (CWE-1173).
- Understand all the potential areas where untrusted inputs can enter the product, including but not limited to: parameters or arguments, cookies, anything read from the network, environment variables, reverse DNS lookups, query results, request headers, URL components, e-mail, files, filenames, databases, and any external systems that provide data to the application. Remember that such inputs may be obtained indirectly through API calls.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb12-18.htmlNot Applicable
Third-party and government advisories
- lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2012-08/msg00010.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
- lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2012-08/msg00012.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
- rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2012-1203.htmlThird Party Advisory
- security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-201209-01.xmlThird Party Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2012-1535US Government Resource
Other references
- marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=139455789818399&w=2Mailing List
Other vulnerabilities in Flash Player
- 7.8 High severity
Adobe Flash Player Use-After-Free Exploited
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Adobe Flash Player Use-After-Free Exploited
- 8.8 High severity
Adobe Flash Player Type Confusion Exploited
- 8.8 High severity
Adobe Flash Player Use-After-Free Exploited
- 8.8 High severity
Adobe Flash Player Use-After-Free Exploited
Recent Improper Input Validation vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 4.3 Medium severity
- 8.8 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.