CVE-2015-5557

Vulnerability

CVE-2015-5557 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player. It affects Flash Player versions before 18.0.0.232 on Windows and OS X, and before 11.2.202.508 on Linux. It also affects Adobe AIR, AIR SDK, and AIR SDK & Compiler before 18.0.0.199. The vulnerability is triggered via unspecified vectors, and is one of a series of similar flaws disclosed in August 2015 [1][2].

Exploitation

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to open a specially crafted Flash (SWF) file, typically via a malicious webpage or email attachment. No authentication is required, and the attack can be delivered remotely. The exact exploitation steps are not detailed in the available references, but the use-after-free condition can be leveraged to achieve code execution [1][2].

Impact

Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system with the privileges of the user running Flash Player. This can lead to full compromise of the user's data and system, including installation of malware, data theft, or further lateral movement within a network [1][2].

Mitigation

Adobe released fixed versions: Flash Player 18.0.0.232 (Windows/OS X) and 11.2.202.508 (Linux), and AIR 18.0.0.199. Users should update immediately. Red Hat and Gentoo have issued advisories directing users to apply the updates [1][2]. No workaround is available; upgrading is the only mitigation.