External risk intelligence

Adobe ColdFusion Authentication Bypass Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2013-0625

Affected organizations face a risk of unauthorized access and potential code execution due to an authentication bypass vulnerability in Adobe ColdFusion. Attackers can exploit this flaw when passwords are not configured, leading to a compromise of business systems and data.

4Halo Surface Signal

Authentication Bypass

Adobe Coldfusion

9.09.0.19.0.2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2013-0625

Adobe ColdFusion is commonly deployed as an internet-facing application server or web-based middleware platform. Because it typically serves web content or APIs directly to users or other services, it is frequently exposed to the public internet in standard production environments.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Adobe ColdFusion versions 9.0, 9.0.1, and 9.0.2 are vulnerable when a password is not configured. This flaw allows remote attackers to bypass authentication. The potential impact includes unauthorized access and the possibility of executing arbitrary code, as observed in the wild.

  • Vulnerable: Adobe ColdFusion (unconfigured password)
  • Flaw: Authentication bypass
  • Impact: Unauthorized access, code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and potentially execute arbitrary code by exploiting an unspecified vector. When a password is not configured, an attacker can gain unauthorized access to systems running affected versions of Adobe ColdFusion. This can lead to a compromise of the application and its underlying infrastructure.

  • Exposed to the internet.
  • Attacker bypasses authentication.
  • Attacker gains control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in Adobe ColdFusion allows remote attackers to bypass authentication, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. Exploitation in the wild was noted in January 2013. The critical severity indicates a significant potential for business impact if left unaddressed.

  • Attackers with low skill can exploit.
  • No access or conditions required.
  • High business risk and urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The identified vulnerability in Adobe ColdFusion allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and potentially execute arbitrary code. This impacts organizations using specific versions of ColdFusion, creating a risk of unauthorized access and control over affected systems. The exploitability in the wild highlights a significant business risk that requires immediate attention.

  • Find affected ColdFusion assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Adobe ColdFusion?

Adobe ColdFusion is a development platform for building web applications and services. It functions as an application server or middleware, handling web content and APIs. Affected versions include 9.0, 9.0.1, and 9.0.2 when no password is configured.

What is the Adobe ColdFusion vulnerability (CVE-2013-0625)?

CVE-2013-0625 is a critical authentication bypass vulnerability in Adobe ColdFusion. When a password is not set, remote attackers can circumvent login procedures, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. This is classified under CWE-287.

How can an attacker exploit the ColdFusion authentication bypass?

An attacker can exploit this flaw by targeting unconfigured Adobe ColdFusion instances. Without a password, attackers can bypass authentication mechanisms, gaining unauthorized access to the application and potentially executing arbitrary code on the server.

What is the relevance of CVE-2013-0625 to internet-facing systems?

This vulnerability is relevant to internet-facing Adobe ColdFusion instances because it allows for remote authentication bypass. As ColdFusion often acts as an internet-facing application server or middleware, attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to publicly accessible systems.

What steps should be taken to address this ColdFusion vulnerability?

Organizations should identify affected Adobe ColdFusion assets, particularly those exposed to the internet. Implementing vendor-provided security updates and configurations, such as setting strong passwords, is crucial to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and potential code execution.

References