CVE-2014-9163
Adobe Flash Player Stack-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2014-9163 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player that allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code by delivering specially crafted Flash content. The vulnerability occurs in the Flash Player's handling of certain data structures, where an attacker can overflow a stack buffer to overwrite return addresses and redirect execution to malicious code. CISA has added CVE-2014-9163 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. With an EPSS score of 0.69% (98.6th percentile), this vulnerability was widely exploited during the Flash Player era.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| adobe | flash player | >= 13.0, < 13.0.0.259; >= 14.0, <= 14.0.0.179; >= 15.0, < 15.0.0.246; >= 11.0, < 11.2.202.425 |
References
- http://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/flash-player/apsb14-27.html(Vendor Advisory)
- https://github.com/cisagov/vulnrichment/issues/196(Issue Tracking)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2014-9163(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow
CWE-121 describes a weakness where a buffer overflow occurs on the stack, typically by writing more data to a stack-allocated buffer than it can hold, enabling overwriting of return addresses and other stack-based control data. In CVE-2014-9163, Adobe Flash Player contains a stack-based buffer overflow that is triggered by specially crafted SWF content, allowing an attacker to overwrite the return address on the stack and redirect execution to arbitrary code.
Learn more: CWE-121 — Stack-based Buffer Overflow
Impact Analysis
CVE-2014-9163 provides full remote code execution through browser-delivered Flash content, enabling attackers to take complete control of the victim's system with the privileges of the browser process. The stack-based buffer overflow is particularly reliable for exploitation because it provides direct control over the instruction pointer through overwriting the return address, making the exploit more deterministic than heap-based attacks. All aspects of system security are compromised upon successful exploitation. The vulnerability's integration into exploit kits enabled mass distribution of malware through drive-by download campaigns.
Exploit Maturity
CVE-2014-9163 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation. The EPSS score of 0.69% (98.6th percentile) indicates high exploitation probability. The vulnerability was integrated into exploit kits and used in targeted attack campaigns. Stack-based buffer overflows in Flash Player were particularly valued by attackers due to their exploitation reliability compared to heap-based vulnerabilities.
Remediation
- Remove Adobe Flash Player entirely as required by CISA KEV — Flash Player reached end of life on December 31, 2020.
- Verify complete removal from all systems including browser plugins.
- Block Flash content at the network perimeter and in browser policies.
- For legacy Flash dependencies, use strict application sandboxing.
- Scan systems for residual threats from historical Flash exploitation.
Technical Details
CVE-2014-9163 is a stack-based buffer overflow in Adobe Flash Player triggered by processing malformed data within SWF content. The vulnerability occurs when the Flash Player copies user-controlled data into a fixed-size stack buffer without proper bounds checking, allowing the data to overflow the buffer and overwrite adjacent stack memory including the function return address. By controlling the overwritten return address, the attacker can redirect execution to a ROP chain or shellcode placed in a predictable memory location. The stack-based nature of the overflow simplifies exploitation compared to heap-based attacks, as the return address provides a direct and reliable control-flow hijacking mechanism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2014-9163 being actively exploited?
Yes. CVE-2014-9163 is listed in the CISA KEV catalog with confirmed active exploitation. Its 98.6th percentile EPSS score indicates high exploitation probability.
What products are affected by CVE-2014-9163?
CVE-2014-9163 affects Adobe Flash Player across all supported platforms. Flash Player is end-of-life and should be removed entirely.
How do I fix CVE-2014-9163?
Remove Adobe Flash Player completely from all systems. No patches are available as Flash Player has been discontinued.
How severe is CVE-2014-9163?
CVE-2014-9163 is a critical stack-based buffer overflow enabling reliable remote code execution through Flash content. Its KEV listing and high EPSS score confirm significant exploitation activity.
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