CVE-2013-0643: Adobe Flash Player Incorrect Default Permissions Vulnerability Enables Remote Code Execution
What It Is — Adobe Flash Player contains an incorrect default permissions setting in the Firefox sandbox that can be abused by a crafted SWF file to execute arbitrary code on the host. The flaw stems from the way Flash’s sandbox permissions are initialized, allowing code to break out of the intended confinement.
Exploitability — Publicly disclosed in 2013; proof‑of‑concept SWF files were circulated. The CVSS v3 base score is 7.5 (High), and exploit code has been observed in the wild.
Affected Products — Adobe Flash Player (all versions prior to the 2013 security update) when used with Mozilla Firefox.
Why It Matters for Trust & Control Assurance
- Highlights how default‑permission misconfigurations can undermine endpoint security controls, creating gaps that auditors will probe.
- Continuous control monitoring must capture configuration drift in third‑party runtimes to maintain a defensible audit trail.
- Demonstrable remediation (patching, configuration verification) provides evidence that the organization meets the “secure configuration” control objective across multiple frameworks.
Recommended Actions
- Apply Adobe’s security update that corrects the default permission settings.
- Re‑evaluate endpoint hardening controls to include verification of sandbox configurations for all third‑party runtimes.
- Record remediation steps and evidence in your control repository to support audit readiness.
Source: CISA KEV – CVE‑2013‑0643