CVE-2015-0317

Vulnerability

Adobe Flash Player versions prior to 13.0.0.269 and 14.x through 16.x before 16.0.0.305 on Windows and OS X, and versions before 11.2.202.442 on Linux, are affected by an unspecified type confusion vulnerability [2][3]. This memory corruption flaw occurs when the software mishandles object types, potentially triggered by a crafted SWF file. No special configuration is required; the vulnerability is reachable through any content that invokes the Flash Player plugin or standalone player.

Exploitation

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by hosting a malicious SWF file on a website or delivering it via email or other means. The victim must open the file or visit the malicious page using a vulnerable Flash Player instance. No authentication or prior access is needed. The type confusion leads to memory corruption, which the attacker can leverage to execute arbitrary code in the context of the user running Flash Player [2][3].

Impact

Successful exploitation grants the attacker arbitrary code execution at the privilege level of the affected user. This can result in full system compromise, including data theft, installation of malware, or further lateral movement within a network. The impact is limited to the user's permissions, but combined with other vulnerabilities could lead to elevated privileges [2][3].

Mitigation

Adobe released fixed versions: 13.0.0.269, 16.0.0.305, and 11.2.202.442 in February 2015. Microsoft provided updates via Security Advisory 2755801 for Flash Player in Internet Explorer and Edge [1]. Red Hat issued RHSA-2015-0140 for affected Linux distributions [2], and Gentoo published GLSA 201502-02 recommending upgrade to the patched version [3]. No workaround is available; users should apply the latest updates immediately.