CVE-2016-4171
Adobe Flash Player Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2016-4171 is a critical vulnerability affecting Adobe Flash Player. Unspecified vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player allows for remote code execution. An attacker can exploit this flaw without authentication over the network. CISA has added this vulnerability to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. The EPSS score of 50.54% (97.8th percentile) indicates a significantly elevated exploitation probability.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| adobe | flash player | <= 11.2.202.621; <= 21.0.0.242; <= 18.0.0.352 |
| redhat | enterprise linux desktop | 5.0; 6.0 |
| redhat | enterprise linux server | 5.0; 6.0 |
| redhat | enterprise linux workstation | 5.0; 6.0 |
| opensuse | opensuse | 13.1; 13.2 |
| suse | linux enterprise desktop | 12 |
| suse | linux enterprise workstation extension | 12 |
Multiple CVSS Assessments
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
References
- http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-06/msg00031.html(Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-06/msg00035.html(Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-06/msg00038.html(Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/91184(Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1036094(Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016:1238(Third Party Advisory)
- https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/flash-player/apsa16-03.html(Vendor Advisory)
- https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/flash-player/apsb16-18.html(Vendor Advisory)
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201606-08(Third Party Advisory)
- https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/748992(Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource)
- https://github.com/cisagov/vulnrichment/issues/196(Issue Tracking)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2016-4171(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
Unspecified Weakness
No specific CWE classification has been assigned to this vulnerability. The underlying weakness enables remote exploitation of Adobe Flash Player, potentially leading to unauthorized access or code execution.
Learn more: CWE Database
Impact Analysis
CVE-2016-4171 carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 (CRITICAL), reflecting the serious risk it poses to affected environments. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of data confidentiality, full system integrity compromise, and complete denial of service. The attack vector is network-based with low complexity, meaning exploitation is straightforward and can be reliably repeated. Organizations running Adobe Flash Player face tangible risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and operational disruption if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Exploit Maturity
CVE-2016-4171 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog with a remediation deadline of 2022-04-15, confirming that real-world exploitation has been observed. The EPSS score of 50.54% (97.8th percentile) places this vulnerability among those most likely to be exploited.
Remediation
- The impacted product is end-of-life and should be disconnected if still in use. This is the CISA-mandated remediation action and should be prioritized immediately.
- If the device cannot be immediately decommissioned, isolate it from the network by placing it behind strict firewall rules that block all inbound access from untrusted networks.
- Plan and execute migration to a supported replacement product that receives active security updates.
- Audit network logs and device configurations for indicators of compromise, including unexpected outbound connections, unauthorized configuration changes, or newly created accounts.
- Implement network monitoring to detect any exploitation attempts against the affected Flash Player systems.
Technical Details
CVE-2016-4171 is exploitable remotely over the network without any prior authentication. Unspecified vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player allows for remote code execution. The attack complexity is rated low, meaning no specialized conditions or preparation are needed beyond network access to the target. The scope is unchanged, meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable component. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects the combination of these factors and the potential for significant damage to affected systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2016-4171 being actively exploited?
Yes. CISA has confirmed active exploitation by adding CVE-2016-4171 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The EPSS score of 50.54% (97.8th percentile) further indicates high exploitation likelihood.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-4171?
CVE-2016-4171 affects Adobe Flash Player. Specifically, affected products include adobe flash player, redhat enterprise linux desktop, redhat enterprise linux server, redhat enterprise linux workstation, opensuse opensuse, and others.
How do I fix CVE-2016-4171?
The impacted product is end-of-life and should be disconnected if still in use. Migrate to a supported product as soon as possible.
How severe is CVE-2016-4171?
CVE-2016-4171 has a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8 (CRITICAL). This is a critical vulnerability that should be remediated with the highest priority. The vulnerability enables unauthenticated remote attackers to potentially compromise affected Flash Player systems.
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