Adobe Flash Player Incorrect Default Permissions
CVE-2013-0643 is a high-severity improper privilege management vulnerability in flash_player from Adobe, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists versions 10.3.183.67, 11.6.602.171 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 September 17, 2024, 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 10.3.183.67 or 11.6.602.171, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- CISA's required action: The impacted product is end-of-life (EoL) and/or end-of-service (EoS). Users should discontinue utilization of the product.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- 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 10.3.183.67; 11.0 up to, but not including, 11.6.602.171 | 10.3.183.67, 11.6.602.171 |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Desktop | 6.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux EUS | 5.9; 6.4 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Server | 6.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Server AUS | 5.9; 6.4 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Workstation | 6.0 | Not stated |
| openSUSE | Opensuse | 11.4; 12.1 | Not stated |
| SUSE | Linux Enterprise Desktop | 10; 11 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- 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:N/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 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 9.3 | High | NVD |
Official description
The Firefox sandbox in Adobe Flash Player before 10.3.183.67 and 11.x before 11.6.602.171 on Windows and Mac OS X, and before 10.3.183.67 and 11.x before 11.2.202.273 on Linux, does not properly restrict privileges, which makes it easier for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted SWF content, as exploited in the wild in February 2013.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Privilege Management
The product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
- Consider following the principle of separation of privilege. Require multiple conditions to be met before permitting access to a system resource.
More Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities (CWE-269)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2013-0574.htmlThird Party Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2013-0643US Government Resource
Other references
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 Privilege Management vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
Microsoft Windows Privilege Escalation Exploited
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