External risk intelligence

Adobe ColdFusion Improper Input Validation Vulnerability Leading to Code Execution.

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 10.0)

CVE-2026-48277

Adobe ColdFusion is a web application server frequently deployed to host public-facing websites and web applications. As a core component of the web infrastructure stack, it is commonly exposed to the internet to serve dynamic content and APIs, making it a frequent target for network-based access in standard production environments.

Adobe Coldfusion

20232025

Halo Surface Signal: 4 out of 5 — likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This advisory concerns a critical vulnerability in Adobe ColdFusion, a web application server. The issue allows for unauthenticated, remote code execution, meaning attackers could potentially gain control of affected systems without needing any prior access or credentials. The exploitation does not require user interaction, and the scope of the vulnerability extends beyond the initially affected component, increasing its potential impact.

Unauthenticated code execution risk in ColdFusion.
Critical vulnerability, direct remote access possible.
Confirm relevance and exposure of ColdFusion.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted input over the network to a vulnerable ColdFusion server. The server's improper handling of this input allows the attacker to execute arbitrary code, potentially gaining control of the system within the context of the compromised user. This attack does not require any interaction from a user.

No special access needed.
Input validation flaw.
Arbitrary code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system without any user interaction. This could impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.

System code execution.
Remote, unauthenticated access.
Compromised system or service.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Adobe ColdFusion could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code. The first step is to identify all instances of the affected ColdFusion installations, determine their internet reachability and business criticality, and then locate the specific teams or individuals accountable for each instance to plan remediation.

Application and platform owners should manage resolution.
Verify internet-facing ColdFusion instances.
Plan risk-based remediation and vendor coordination.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Adobe ColdFusion?

Adobe ColdFusion is an application server platform designed for building, deploying, and hosting dynamic websites and enterprise-level web applications. It serves as a middleware layer that integrates web requests with backend logic and databases. As a core infrastructure component often exposed to the internet to provide services and interactive content, it acts as a primary interface between global users and enterprise data systems.

How does CWE-20 relate to CVE-2026-48277?

CVE-2026-48277 is classified under CWE-20, which denotes Improper Input Validation. This means the affected ColdFusion versions fail to correctly sanitize or verify data received from external sources. Because the system trusts this incoming input without sufficient checks, it creates a security gap where an attacker can supply malicious data that the server processes as legitimate instructions, resulting in unintended system behavior.

How is the vulnerability triggered?

The issue is triggered when an attacker sends specially crafted network input to a vulnerable ColdFusion server. Since the server does not properly validate this input, the code execution happens automatically without requiring user interaction or authentication. Notably, the impact of this vulnerability is not confined to the server software alone; the scope is changed, meaning the compromise can extend its effect beyond the initial component.

Is this vulnerability relevant to my network?

According to the Halo Surface Signal, Adobe ColdFusion is often deployed for public-facing web applications. Because it frequently functions as a core part of the web stack and is commonly exposed to the internet to serve dynamic content or APIs, it is a high-priority target for network-based access in standard production environments, making this risk particularly relevant to exposed servers.

What is the recommended approach for remediation?

To address this risk, first identify all ColdFusion instances within your environment and categorize them by internet reachability and business criticality. Coordinate with the teams responsible for these applications to manage the update process. Focus your efforts on verifying which instances are exposed to the network to prioritize risk-based remediation according to your organization's specific service requirements.

References

helpx.adobe.com/security/products/coldfusion/apsb26-68.html

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.