CVE-2016-7855: Adobe Flash Player use-after-free allows remote code execution

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 17 September 2026. Confidence: high.

high priorityRemote code execution with confirmed in-the-wild exploitation and KEV listing, though it requires user interaction and the product is end-of-life.

What it is

Adobe Flash Player contains a use-after-free (CWE-416) that lets remote attackers execute arbitrary code. It affects Flash Player before 23.0.0.205 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.643 on Linux. The flaw was exploited in the wild in October 2016, making it a real-world threat rather than a theoretical one.

Impact

An attacker can execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected Flash Player process, giving full control of confidentiality, integrity and availability on the victim host.

Attack surface

Reached over the network via unspecified vectors, most likely a crafted Flash file or web page; the CVSS vector shows no privileges required but user interaction required, so a victim must load the malicious content.

Exploitation

Listed in CISA KEV since 2022-03-03 and described as exploited in the wild in October 2016; EPSS 30-day probability is 0.25198 (97.8th percentile), indicating high likelihood of attempted exploitation.

What to do

• Apply the vendor patch: update Flash Player to 23.0.0.205 or later on Windows/OS X and 11.2.202.643 or later on Linux, or apply the corresponding Microsoft MS16-128 and Red Hat RHSA-2016-2119 updates.
• Because Flash Player is end-of-life, remove or disconnect it from systems that still run it, per CISA KEV required action.
• Disable or block Flash content in browsers and email clients where it is not strictly required.
• Restrict user ability to open untrusted Flash files and web content through application control and web filtering.

Detection

• Hunt for Flash Player versions below 23.0.0.205 (Windows/OS X) or 11.2.202.643 (Linux) across endpoints.
• Monitor for Flash Player process crashes or unexpected child processes spawned from browser or Flash plugin processes.
• Review proxy and endpoint logs for known exploit delivery patterns and Flash content from untrusted sources around the October 2016 exploitation window.

This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.