Adobe Flash Player Arbitrary Code Execution
CVE-2016-4117 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Flash Player 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 versions: 21.0.0.226 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 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.
- 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 | 21.0.0.226 and earlier | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Desktop | 5.0; 6.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Server | 5.0; 6.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Server From Rhui | 5.0; 6.0 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Enterprise Linux Workstation | 5.0; 6.0 | Not stated |
| openSUSE | Evergreen | 11.4 | Not stated |
| openSUSE | Opensuse | 13.1; 13.2 | Not stated |
| SUSE | Linux Enterprise Desktop | 12 | Not stated |
| SUSE | Linux Enterprise Workstation Extension | 12 | 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 21.0.0.226 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, as exploited in the wild in May 2016.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- 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
- lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-05/msg00044.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
- lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-05/msg00045.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
- lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-05/msg00046.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
- lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-05/msg00047.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
- rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-1079.htmlThird Party Advisory
- security.gentoo.org/glsa/201606-08Third Party Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2016-4117US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- exploit-db.com/exploits/46339/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other references
- github.com/cisagov/vulnrichment/issues/196Issue Tracking
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
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