CVE-2016-7855
Published: March 3, 2022
Official Description
Use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player Windows and OS and Linux allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
CISA KEV Advisory
Adobe Flash Player Use-After-Free Vulnerability
Use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player Windows and OS and Linux allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
The impacted product is end-of-life and should be disconnected if still in use.
Risk Analysis
This use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Flash Player for Windows, OS, and Linux allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. The high EPSS score of 0.46889 and its inclusion in CISA's KEV indicate that this vulnerability is actively exploited and poses a severe risk.
This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog. Exploitation can occur remotely.
Users should uninstall Adobe Flash Player as it is end-of-life and no longer supported. If uninstallation is not immediately possible, ensure all Flash Player installations are updated to the very last available version, though deprecation is the recommended action.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2016-7855 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2016-7855 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2016-7855 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1