CVE-2015-8438

Heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Flash Player before 18.0.0.268 and 19.x and 20.x before 20.0.0.228 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.554 on Linux…

published December 10, 2015

CVSS
—
EPSS
8%
Percentile
94.7
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A crafty heap-based buffer overflow lurks in Adobe Flash Player, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with just a specially crafted XML object! 🔥 Think of this vulnerability like a restaurant that serves a dish without checking the ingredients — if a sneaky chef slipped in something dangerous, it might just ruin the entire meal. In this case, the toString call mishandles the XML object, letting attackers serve up their own malicious code. If exploited, an attacker could gain control over a user's machine, leading to potential data breaches, unauthorized access, and a cascade of chaos. Imagine the havoc if that malicious code ran rampant, allowing attackers to manipulate your system at will!

Put simply

Think of this vulnerability like a restaurant that serves a dish without checking the ingredients — if a sneaky chef slipped in something dangerous, it might just ruin the entire meal. In this case, the toString call mishandles the XML object, letting attackers serve up their own malicious code. This vulnerability stems from a heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Flash Player, specifically during the mishandling of XML objects in toString calls. This flaw opens the door for arbitrary code execution, which can be triggered if an attacker crafts a specific XML object.

What to do

If exploited, an attacker could gain control over a user's machine, leading to potential data breaches, unauthorized access, and a cascade of chaos. Imagine the havoc if that malicious code ran rampant, allowing attackers to manipulate your system at will! To safeguard against this vulnerability, ensure that Adobe Flash Player is updated to version 18.0.0.268 or later, or any version in the 19.x and 20.x branches after 20.0.0.228. Regularly check for updates for Adobe AIR and its SDK as well, to maintain secure code practices. You've got this! Stay vigilant and keep your software updated for a safer digital experience. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.07950 · 94.7th percentile
Published
2015-12-10T02:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 10 DEC 02:00Z
    Heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Flash Player before 18.0.0.268 and 19.x and 20.x before 20.0.0.228 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.554 on Linux…
    cvelistv5