CVE-2016-7855KEV · OVERDUE

Adobe Flash Player Use-After-Free Vulnerability

High · published November 1, 2016

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 8.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 97.9th percentile for exploit probability.

1673
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
8.8
EPSS
25%
Percentile
97.9
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 A use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player could let attackers execute arbitrary code remotely—like leaving a backdoor ajar for intruders! 🔥 Think of it like a restaurant that keeps serving dishes even after they've been taken off the menu—there's a chance someone could order a dish that shouldn't be available, leading to chaos in the kitchen! If exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to take control of the affected device, potentially leading to data theft, unauthorized access, or even system compromise. It's a serious risk that underscores why keeping software updated is crucial!

Put simply

Think of it like a restaurant that keeps serving dishes even after they've been taken off the menu—there's a chance someone could order a dish that shouldn't be available, leading to chaos in the kitchen! This vulnerability occurs when Flash Player releases memory that is still in use, allowing attackers to manipulate this memory and run arbitrary code. The flaw goes unnoticed due to the lack of proper checks, making exploitation straightforward for those with malicious intent.

What to do

If exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to take control of the affected device, potentially leading to data theft, unauthorized access, or even system compromise. It's a serious risk that underscores why keeping software updated is crucial! To safeguard your systems, upgrade Adobe Flash Player to version 23.0.0.205 or later on Windows and OS X, and version 11.2.202.643 or later on Linux. Additionally, consider disabling Flash in your browsers if it's not needed, as this can further mitigate risk! You've got this! By taking these steps, you'll enhance your security posture and keep those virtual intruders at bay! 🦸

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
8.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.25198 · 97.9th percentile
Published
2016-11-01T22:46Z
KEV added
2022-03-03 · due 2022-03-24
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 03 MAR 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Mar 24
    kev
  • 01 NOV 22:46Z
    Use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player before 23.0.0.205 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.643 on Linux allows remote attackers to execute…
    cvelistv5