iDefense Security Advisory 08.07.09: Adobe Flash Player Invalid Loader Object Reference Vulnerability

[iDefense Labs <labs-no-reply@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

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iDefense Security Advisory 07.30.09
http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/
Jul 30, 2009

I. BACKGROUND

Adobe Flash Player is a very popular web browser plugin. It is available
for multiple web browsers and platforms, including Windows, Linux and
MacOS. Flash Player enables web browsers to display rich multimedia
content, such as online videos, and is often a requirement for popular
websites.

For more information, see the vendor's site found at the following link.

http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer

II. DESCRIPTION

Remote exploitation of an invalid Loader object reference vulnerability
in Adobe Systems Inc.'s Flash Player could allow an attacker to execute
arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user.

During the processing of a Shockwave Flash file, an object can be
created, along with multiple references that point to the object. The
object can be destroyed and its associated references removed. However
a reference can incorrectly remain pointing to the object. The invalid
object resides in uninitialized memory, which the attacker may control
to gain arbitrary execution control.

III. ANALYSIS

Exploitation of this vulnerability results in the execution of arbitrary
code with the privileges of the user viewing the web page. To exploit
this vulnerability, a targeted user must load a malicious Shockware
Flash file created by an attacker. An attacker typically accomplishes
this via social engineering or injecting content into a compromised,
trusted site.

IV. DETECTION

iDefense has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in latest
Flash Player version 9.0.124.0. Previous versions may also be affected.

V. WORKAROUND

A Internet Explorer plugin is available to temporarily block and unblock
Flash content using a single click. Only trusted sites should be
unblocked when using this plugin. More information is available at:

http://flash.melameth.com.

A Firefox plugin is available to temporarily block and unblock Flash
content using a single click. Only trusted sites should be unblocked
when using this plugin. More information is available at:

http://flashblock.mozdev.org.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

Adobe has released a patch which addresses this issue. Information about
downloadable vendor updates can be found by clicking on the URLs shown.

http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb09-10.html

VII. CVE INFORMATION

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CVE-2009-1864 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/), which standardizes names for
security problems.

VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

08/25/2008  - Initial Contact
09/22/2008  - Second Contact attempt
09/22/2008  - PoC Requested
09/24/2008  - PoC Requested
11/05/2008  - PoC Sent
11/06/2008  - Clarification requested
11/21/2008  - Clarification requested
12/05/2008  - Clarification Sent
12/05/2008  - Clarification requested
12/07/2008  - Additional Clarification Sent
02/24/2009  - Status update received - no estimated release date
04/05/2009  - Clarification requested
05/05/2009  - Clarification sent
05/06/2009  - Clarification requested
05/06/2009  - Clarification sent
05/11/2009  - Tentative disclosure set to August
07/30/2009  - Coordinated public disclosure

IX. CREDIT

The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.

Get paid for vulnerability research
http://labs.idefense.com/methodology/vulnerability/vcp.php

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http://labs.idefense.com/

X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright © 2009 iDefense, Inc.

Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert
electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express
written consent of iDefense. If you wish to reprint the whole or any
part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically,
please e-mail customerservice@xxxxxxxxxxxx for permission.

Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate
at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
 There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the
author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct,
indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or
reliance on, this information.
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