External risk intelligence

Adobe ColdFusion Code Execution Risk

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-26360

Adobe ColdFusion is impacted by an access control vulnerability that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code. This poses a business risk by potentially compromising systems and data. The attack is network-exploitable without user interaction.

4Halo Surface Signal

Adobe Coldfusion

20182021

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-26360

Adobe ColdFusion is a commercial application server platform widely used to power internet-facing websites and web applications. Given its role as a web application platform, it is commonly deployed in edge or publicly accessible network segments to serve dynamic content, making it a likely target for external reachability.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Adobe ColdFusion is affected by an improper access control vulnerability. This flaw could allow unauthorized code execution within the context of the current user on affected systems. The impact of such an execution could lead to significant business risk if sensitive data or critical systems are compromised.

  • Vulnerable component: Adobe ColdFusion
  • Core weakness: Improper access control
  • Main business impact: Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a system running Adobe ColdFusion. The attack does not require any interaction from a user. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and control of the affected system.

  • Network exposure required.
  • Attacker sends malicious data.
  • Arbitrary code execution results.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution and does not require user interaction for exploitation. Attackers can leverage this to gain unauthorized control within the affected system's user context. The high severity and lack of required interaction present a significant risk to organizations using vulnerable versions of Adobe ColdFusion. Organizations should treat this as a high-priority issue requiring immediate attention.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: Network access, no authentication
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An Improper Access Control vulnerability in Adobe ColdFusion could allow for arbitrary code execution without user interaction. This presents a significant risk to organizations utilizing affected versions. The attack vector is network-based, meaning external attackers can potentially exploit this without needing prior access or user engagement.

  • Identify Adobe ColdFusion assets.
  • Reduce external exposure or isolate affected systems.
  • Apply vendor updates, verify fixes, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Improper Access Control vulnerability affecting Adobe ColdFusion?

Adobe ColdFusion versions 2018 Update 15 and earlier, and 2021 Update 5 and earlier, are vulnerable to an Improper Access Control flaw. This weakness allows for arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user, meaning an attacker could run malicious code on the system without needing special privileges. The exploitation does not require any user interaction, making it a significant risk.

How can an attacker exploit this Improper Access Control vulnerability in Adobe ColdFusion?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious data over the network to an affected Adobe ColdFusion server. Because the attack does not require user interaction and can be launched remotely, it presents a direct path for attackers to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities within the compromised system's user context.

What is the potential impact of the Adobe ColdFusion Improper Access Control vulnerability?

The potential impact of this vulnerability is high, as it allows for arbitrary code execution. This could lead to unauthorized access, control, and potential compromise of sensitive data or critical systems. The severity is underscored by its network exposure and the lack of required user interaction for exploitation.

What actions should be taken to respond to the Adobe ColdFusion vulnerability (CVE-2023-26360)?

To respond to CVE-2023-26360, organizations should first identify all Adobe ColdFusion assets. It is crucial to reduce external exposure or isolate affected systems. The primary remediation is to apply vendor updates, verify that the fixes are successfully implemented, and maintain continuous monitoring for any suspicious activity.

How is Adobe ColdFusion relevant to potential threats?

Adobe ColdFusion is a widely used commercial application server platform, frequently deployed to power internet-facing websites and web applications. Its common placement in publicly accessible network segments makes it a prime target for external attackers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities like the Improper Access Control flaw, which could lead to arbitrary code execution.

References