Critical

Arbitrary Code Execution via NetStream in Adobe Flash Player (CVE-2012-0773)

IdentifiersCVE-2012-0773CWE-119

CVE-2012-0773 is a memory corruption vulnerability in the NetStream class of Adobe Flash Player prior to 10.3.183.18 and 11.x before 11.2.202.228 (Windows, Mac OS X, Linux), prior to 10.3.183.18 and 11.x before 11.2.202.223 (Solaris), and prior to 11.1.111.8 (Android 2.x/3.x), as well as AIR before 3.2.0.2070. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service via crafted SWF content, exploiting memory corruption through unspecified vectors. This vulnerability was notably used as a zero-day by the Mask (Careto) APT group in targeted attacks.

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.

Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the user running the vulnerable Flash Player, potentially leading to full system compromise. In the context of the Mask (Careto) APT campaign, this was used to deliver advanced malware implants, enabling persistent espionage, data theft (including encryption keys, VPN configs, SSH keys, and sensitive documents), and further lateral movement within targeted organizations. The exploit was also capable of breaking out of browser sandboxes, as demonstrated at Pwn2Own 2012.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

In addition to patching, restrict Flash content execution in browsers via click-to-play or allow-listing trusted sites. Employ network and endpoint monitoring to detect exploitation attempts and post-exploitation activity. Disable Flash Player in environments where it is not required, and use browser sandboxing and privilege separation to limit the impact of exploitation. Monitor for indicators of compromise associated with the Mask (Careto) APT and similar campaigns.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Upgrade Adobe Flash Player to version 10.3.183.18, 11.2.202.228 (Windows, Mac OS X, Linux), 10.3.183.18 or 11.2.202.223 (Solaris), or 11.1.111.8 (Android 2.x/3.x), and AIR to 3.2.0.2070 or later. Organizations should ensure all endpoints are running patched versions and consider disabling or removing Flash Player where possible, given its end-of-life status.

PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

No public exploits tracked yet. Mallory keeps watching.

VALID 0 / 0 TOTALView more in app

No public exploit code observed for this vulnerability.

EXPOSURE SURFACE

Affected products & vendors

Products and vendors Mallory has correlated with this vulnerability. Open in Mallory to drill down to specific CPE configurations and version ranges.

VendorProductType

AdobeAdobe Airapplication

AdobeFlash Playerapplication

XeroxFreeflow Print Serverapplication

Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.

ACTIVITY FEED

Recent activity

1 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.

1 SOURCESView more in app

securelistNews

May 13, 2021

The Careto/Mask APT: Frequently Asked Questions | Securelist

An Adobe Flash Player exploit used by the Careto/The Mask threat actor as one of multiple infection vectors; notable for breaking the Chrome sandbox and being used at Pwn2Own 2012.

What this page doesn’t show

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This page is what’s public. Mallory adds the parts that aren’t: which of your assets are affected, which adversaries are exploiting it right now, which detections to deploy, and what to do tonight.

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Exposure mapping

Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.

Threat actor evidence1

Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.

Associated malware1

Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.

Detection signatures

YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.

Vendor-by-vendor mapping

Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.

Social activity