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Security Advisory: CT12-09-2006

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Adobe/Macromedia Flash Player - Remote Code Execution

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Advisory Date: 12th, September 2006

Severity: Critical

Impact: Remote System Access

Solution Status: Vendor Patch

CVE Reference:  CVE-2006-3311

Affected Software

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Adobe Flash Player 8.0.24.0 and earlier versions

Adobe Flash Professional 8, Flash Basic

Adobe Flash MX 2004

Adobe Flex 1.5

Note: All OS Platforms are vulnerable

1. OVERVIEW

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Adobe/Macromedia Flash Player is the world's most ubiquitous Browser plug-in

for Microsoft, Mozilla and Apple technologies. The plug-in claims to facilitate

high-impact web interfaces and interactive online advertising for circa 98% of

desktops globally.

Unfortunately, it transpires that Adobe Flash Player is prone to a remote

arbitrary code execution vulnerability, that allows an attacker to gain

control of a target system through the simple invocation of a maliciously

constructed web page.

2. TECHNICAL NARRATIVE

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The vulnerability originates out of Flash's failure to sufficiently handle

large dynamically generated strings at run time. As a result, it is possible

(using rudimentary Action Script) to create a .swf movie in such a way that

when processed by the Plug-in, will overwrite system memory at an explicit

location.

More specifically, the aforementioned location can (with a certain degree of

accuracy) be attacker controlled via the direct manipulation of the overall

length of the generated string.

The net result is that of a partially controllable condition, which opens the

door to a multitude of differing exploitation vectors, including but not

limited to heap/stack overwrites, and/or 3rd party race conditions.

3. EXPLOITATION

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Computer Terrorism (UK) can confirm the un-disclosed production of a reliable

multi-platform & multi-browser Web based Proof-Of-Concept (PoC). Such an

exploit could be used in a web-based attack scenario, where unsuspecting

users are lured to a maliciously constructed website.

Users that have not already done so are strongly advised to upgrade to the latest

version of Flash Player or apply the appropriate fix for their particular version.

4. VENDOR RESPONSE

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The vendor security bulletin and corresponding patches are available at the

following location:

http://www.adobe.com/go/apsb06-11/

5. DISCLOSURE ANALYSIS

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12/05/2006  Preliminary Vendor notification.

18/05/2006  Vulnerability confirmed in pre-release Flash 9, and earlier versions

28/06/2006  Flash Player 9 released (Fixed)

31/07/2006  Public Disclosure Deferred by Vendor.

12/09/2006  Coordinated public release.

Total Time to Fix: 4 months (123 days)

6. CREDIT

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The vulnerability was discovered by Stuart Pearson of Computer Terrorism (UK) Ltd

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About Computer Terrorism

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Computer Terrorism (UK) Ltd is a global provider of Digital Risk Intelligence services.

Our unique approach to vulnerability risk assessment and mitigation has helped protect

some of the worlds most at risk organisations.

Headquartered in London, Computer Terrorism has representation throughout Europe &

North America and can be reached at +44 (0) 870 250 9866 or email:-

sales [at] computerterrorism.com

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