CVE-2000-0057 in ColdFusion Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cold Fusion CFCACHE tag places temporary cache files within the web document root, allowing remote attackers to obtain sensitive system information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0057 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Cold Fusion software where the CFCACHE tag functionality creates temporary cache files directly within the web document root directory. This design decision exposes sensitive system information to remote attackers who can access these cache files through standard web requests, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries that should protect system internals from web-based access. The issue stems from inadequate consideration of file placement security during the implementation of caching mechanisms within the Cold Fusion application server environment.
This vulnerability manifests as a path traversal and information disclosure weakness that directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and secure file handling. The technical flaw occurs when Cold Fusion processes the CFCACHE tag and stores temporary files in directories accessible via web requests, creating a situation where attackers can retrieve cached content that may contain sensitive data such as database connection strings, user credentials, or system configuration details. The vulnerability specifically relates to CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-312 Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information, as it enables unauthorized access to cached data that should remain protected within the application server's secure operational environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0057 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the cached files may contain database connection details, session information, or other sensitive data that could be leveraged for further attacks. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through standard web browser requests or automated tools to access the temporary cache files, potentially gaining insights into the underlying system architecture, database configurations, or application logic. This information disclosure creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks, as the cached data might reveal system paths, user accounts, or other sensitive operational details that could be used to compromise the entire Cold Fusion application server.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including restricting web access to cache directories, modifying Cold Fusion configuration to store cache files outside the web document root, and implementing proper file access controls. The recommended approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery and T1566 Phishing, as it addresses the underlying access control issues that enable information gathering. Security administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block access attempts to cache directories, while ensuring that all temporary files are properly secured with appropriate permissions and access controls to prevent unauthorized retrieval of sensitive system information.