CVE-2015-0315

Vulnerability

A use-after-free vulnerability exists in Adobe Flash Player before 13.0.0.269 and 14.x through 16.x before 16.0.0.305 on Windows and OS X, and before 11.2.202.442 on Linux [1][2][3]. The flaw is triggered via unspecified vectors, likely involving crafted SWF content that corrupts memory after an object is freed.

Exploitation

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by hosting a malicious SWF file on a website or embedding it in an email. The victim must open the file in a vulnerable Flash Player instance (e.g., via a web browser). No authentication or special privileges are required; the attack relies on user interaction to load the crafted content. The exact sequence of steps is not publicly detailed, but the use-after-free condition is triggered during Flash Player's processing of the SWF data.

Impact

Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the user running Flash Player. This can lead to full system compromise, including data theft, installation of malware, or further lateral movement within a network. The vulnerability is rated as critical due to the potential for remote code execution without user interaction beyond opening the malicious file.

Mitigation

Adobe released fixed versions: 13.0.0.269, 16.0.0.305 (Windows/OS X), and 11.2.202.442 (Linux). Microsoft provided updates for Flash in Internet Explorer and Edge [1], Red Hat issued RHSA-2015:0140 [2], and Gentoo published GLSA 201502-02 [3]. Users should apply the latest updates immediately. No workarounds are available; updating is the only mitigation.