Adobe Flash Player Arbitrary Code Execution
CVE-2016-1019 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Flash Player Desktop Runtime from Adobe, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Flash Player Desktop Runtime versions: 21.0.0.197 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on March 3, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild, including in ransomware campaigns.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Check which version of Flash Player Desktop Runtime you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- CISA's required action: The impacted product is end-of-life and should be disconnected if still in use.
- Read the advisory on docs.microsoft.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe | Flash Player Desktop Runtime | 21.0.0.197 and earlier | Not stated |
| Adobe | Flash Player | 18.0.0.333 and earlier; 21.0.0.197 and earlier; 11.2.202.577 and earlier | Not stated |
| Adobe | Air Desktop Runtime | 21.0.0.176 and earlier | Not stated |
| Adobe | Air SDK | 21.0.0.176 and earlier | Not stated |
| Adobe | Air SDK & Compiler | 21.0.0.176 and earlier | 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
- 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
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- 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:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 10.0 | High | NVD |
Official description
Adobe Flash Player 21.0.0.197 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, as exploited in the wild in April 2016.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
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
Third-party and government advisories
- rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-0610.htmlThird Party Advisory
- security.gentoo.org/glsa/201606-08Third Party Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2016-1019US Government Resource
Other references
- github.com/cisagov/vulnrichment/issues/196Issue Tracking
Other vulnerabilities in Flash Player Desktop Runtime
- 7.8 High severity
- 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
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Adobe Flash Player Use-After-Free Exploited
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