External risk intelligence

Adobe ColdFusion Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-29300

Adobe ColdFusion is affected by a deserialization vulnerability enabling arbitrary code execution without user interaction. This poses a significant risk to affected organizations, potentially leading to unauthorized system control and data compromise. Attackers can exploit this flaw by sending malicious data to expose

4Halo Surface Signal

Deserialization

Adobe Coldfusion

201820212023

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-29300

Adobe ColdFusion is a commercial application server platform commonly deployed to host public-facing web applications and dynamic websites. While it can be used for internal tooling, it is widely utilized as an internet-facing web middleware, making the exposure of this service and its associated APIs and endpoints to the public internet a common and expected deployment pattern.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Adobe ColdFusion is affected by a vulnerability where untrusted data can be deserialized. This flaw can allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected systems. The impact could lead to unauthorized access and control over the compromised environment.

  • Vulnerable component: Adobe ColdFusion
  • Core weakness: Deserialization of untrusted data
  • Main business impact: Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

Adobe ColdFusion is susceptible to a deserialization vulnerability, allowing for arbitrary code execution. This attack does not require any user interaction to exploit. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain control over affected systems.

  • Exposed ColdFusion service.
  • Attacker sends malicious data.
  • Arbitrary code execution results.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A deserialization vulnerability in Adobe ColdFusion could allow for the execution of arbitrary code. This could impact systems running affected versions of the software, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control. The risk associated with this vulnerability is significant due to the potential for widespread compromise.

  • Likely attacker skill: High
  • Required access: Network access
  • Business risk: High, urgent action needed

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

Adobe ColdFusion is affected by a deserialization vulnerability that could allow for arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability requires no user interaction for exploitation and has been identified as a critical risk. Organizations should take immediate steps to identify and mitigate this exposure to prevent potential compromise.

  • Locate all ColdFusion assets.
  • Restrict network access to ColdFusion.
  • Install vendor updates and confirm.
  • Observe for related activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the vulnerability in Adobe ColdFusion affecting versions 2018, 2021, and 2023?

Adobe ColdFusion versions 2018 (prior to update 16), 2021 (prior to update 6), and 2023 (version 2023.0.0.330468 and earlier) are impacted by a Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerability. This weakness allows for arbitrary code execution without requiring user interaction, posing a critical risk to affected systems.

What is the core weakness of CVE-2023-29300 and what is the impact?

The core weakness is CWE-502, Deserialization of Untrusted Data. This vulnerability enables arbitrary code execution, meaning an attacker could run any code they choose on the compromised system, potentially leading to a full takeover.

How can an attacker exploit this Adobe ColdFusion vulnerability, and what is the scope?

Exploitation of this vulnerability does not require any user interaction. An attacker can leverage the Deserialization of Untrusted Data weakness by sending malicious data to an exposed ColdFusion service. The scope of the attack is generally limited to the affected ColdFusion server itself (S:U).

Why is the Adobe ColdFusion vulnerability considered relevant, and what is its threat level?

This deserialization vulnerability is highly relevant due to its critical severity (CVSS 9.8) and the potential for arbitrary code execution. Threat intelligence indicates a significant risk, with the vulnerability having been added to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

What practical steps should an organization take to address the Adobe ColdFusion vulnerability?

Organizations should immediately identify all deployed Adobe ColdFusion assets. It is recommended to restrict network access to these ColdFusion instances, apply vendor-provided updates, and monitor for any suspicious activity indicative of compromise.

References