External risk intelligence

Adobe ColdFusion: Arbitrary Code Execution via Deserialization

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-38203

Adobe ColdFusion is affected by a deserialization vulnerability allowing arbitrary code execution. This could impact system integrity and availability, posing a business risk through potential unauthorized access and control. The vulnerability does not require user interaction for exploitation.

4Halo Surface Signal

Deserialization

Adobe Coldfusion

201820212023

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-38203

Adobe ColdFusion is a commercial application server platform typically deployed to host public-facing web applications, dynamic websites, and web APIs. Given its role as a server-side runtime for internet services, it is commonly exposed to the public internet in standard deployment patterns.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Adobe ColdFusion is affected by a deserialization vulnerability. This flaw allows for arbitrary code execution, impacting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. Such an issue can lead to significant disruptions for organizations.

  • Vulnerable ColdFusion component
  • Deserialization of untrusted data
  • Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

Adobe ColdFusion applications are susceptible to remote code execution due to a deserialization vulnerability. This attack does not require any user interaction to exploit. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to gain control over the affected system.

  • An unpatched ColdFusion server is accessible externally.
  • Attacker sends a crafted serialized object.
  • Server deserializes data, executing arbitrary code.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

Adobe ColdFusion software is affected by a deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability. This issue can allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a targeted system, potentially leading to a complete compromise of the server. The exploitation does not require user interaction and can be performed remotely by unauthenticated attackers. This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, indicating a significant and immediate risk.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Basic
  • Required access or conditions: Network access
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

Adobe ColdFusion versions are affected by a deserialization vulnerability that could allow arbitrary code execution. Exploitation does not require user interaction, and the vulnerability has been observed in known ransomware campaigns. This indicates a high potential for business risk if unaddressed.

  • Identify all Adobe ColdFusion assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate affected systems.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is Adobe ColdFusion?

Adobe ColdFusion is a commercial platform for building and deploying web and mobile applications. It includes a server-side application server and the ColdFusion Markup Language (CFML), a tag-based scripting language similar to HTML, which allows for dynamic web pages, database integration, and more.

How does CVE-2023-38203 enable arbitrary code execution?

CVE-2023-38203 is a Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerability (CWE-502) in Adobe ColdFusion. It allows an attacker to send specially crafted serialized data to the server, which, when deserialized, can lead to the execution of arbitrary code with the server's privileges.

What are the conditions needed to trigger CVE-2023-38203?

Exploiting CVE-2023-38203 does not require user interaction or authentication. An attacker can trigger this vulnerability by sending malicious serialized data to an unpatched Adobe ColdFusion server that is accessible externally.

What is the relevance of CVE-2023-38203 for Adobe ColdFusion?

CVE-2023-38203 is a critical vulnerability affecting Adobe ColdFusion versions 2018u17 and earlier, 2021u7 and earlier, and 2023u1 and earlier. It has a CVSS base score of 9.8, indicating a severe risk of arbitrary code execution, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

How can Adobe ColdFusion be protected from CVE-2023-38203?

To protect against CVE-2023-38203, users should update Adobe ColdFusion to the latest versions (e.g., 2018 Update 18, 2021 Update 8, 2023 Update 2, or newer). Additionally, applying recommended security configuration settings and reviewing Lockdown guides is advised. Updating the ColdFusion JDK/JRE LTS version is also crucial.

References