OCS ADVISORY NUMBER:
2011-016

DATE(S) ISSUED:
3/15/2011

SUBJECT:
Vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player Could Allow For Remote Code Execution

OVERVIEW:

A vulnerability has been discovered in the Adobe Flash Player which could allow attackers to take complete control of affected systems. Adobe Flash Player is a widely distributed multimedia and application player used to enhance the user experience when visiting web pages or reading email messages. There are reports that this vulnerability is being exploited in the wild in targeted attacks via a Flash (.swf) file embedded in a Microsoft Excel (.xls) file delivered as an email attachment.Successful exploitation may cause the Adobe Flash Player application to crash and could also result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Failed exploit attempts will likely cause denial-of-service conditions.

It should be noted that there have been reports of active exploitation of this vulnerability. There is currently no patch available for this vulnerability at this time.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

• Adobe Flash Player 10.2.152.33 and earlier versions for Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Solaris operating systems.
• Adobe Flash Player 10.2.154.13 and earlier for Chrome users.
• Adobe Flash Player 10.1.106.16 and earlier for Android.
• The Authplay.dll component that ships with Adobe Reader and Acrobat X (10.0.1) and earlier 10.x and 9.x versions for Windows and Macintosh operating systems.

RISK:
Government:

• Large and medium government entities: High
• Small government entities: High

Businesses:

• Large and medium business entities: High
• Small business entities: High

Home users: High

DESCRIPTION:
Adobe Flash is prone to a vulnerability that may cause the application to crash and could also result in an attacker gaining complete control of an affected system. There are reports that this vulnerability is being exploited in the wild in targeted attacks via a Flash (.swf) file embedded in a Microsoft Excel (.xls) file delivered as an email attachment. Successful exploitation could result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Failed exploit attempts will likely cause denial-of-service conditions.

Adobe is reporting that this vulnerability may also impact the authplay.dll component that ships with Adobe Reader and Acrobat X (10.0.1) and earlier 10.x and 9.x versions for Windows and Macintosh operating systems. However, Adobe is not currently aware of attacks targeting Adobe Reader and Acrobat. Adobe Reader X with Protected Mode enabled would prevent an exploit of this kind from executing.

It should be noted that there have been reports of active exploitation of this vulnerability. There is currently no patch available for this vulnerability. Updates for all affected systems will be released by Adobe during the week of March 21, 2011.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:

• Install the patch/update from Adobe as soon as it becomes available after appropriate testing.
• Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack.
• Consider installing and running Adobe Reader X in Protected Mode.
• Do not open email attachments from unknown or un-trusted sources.
• Do not visit un-trusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or un-trusted sources.

REFERENCES:
Adobe:
http://www.adobe.com/support/security/advisories/apsa11-01.html

SecurityFocus:
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/46860

CVE:
http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2011-0609