CVE-2006-5858 in ColdFusion MX
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe ColdFusion MX 7 through 7.0.2, and JRun 4, when run on Microsoft IIS, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files, list directories, or read source code via a double URL-encoded NULL byte in a ColdFusion filename, such as a CFM file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2025
This vulnerability exists in Adobe ColdFusion MX 7 through 7.0.2 versions when deployed on Microsoft IIS web servers, representing a critical path traversal and information disclosure flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive files and system resources. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of double URL-encoded NULL bytes in ColdFusion filenames, specifically affecting .cfm files and other ColdFusion components. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that contain double URL-encoded NULL bytes, which bypass normal file access controls and allow unauthorized file system traversal. This flaw falls under CWE-22, Path Traversal, and specifically represents a variant of the NULL byte injection technique that has been documented in various web application security contexts. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to read arbitrary files on the server, list directory contents, and access source code files that should remain protected within the application's directory structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the way ColdFusion processes file paths when running on IIS servers, where the application fails to properly sanitize input containing double URL-encoded NULL bytes. When a request contains such encoded sequences, the ColdFusion engine processes these characters in a manner that allows path traversal beyond intended boundaries, effectively permitting access to files outside of the web application's designated directories. This behavior occurs because the NULL byte injection bypasses normal file access validation mechanisms, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that would normally be restricted. The vulnerability is particularly severe in environments where ColdFusion applications are deployed on IIS servers, as the interaction between these platforms creates specific conditions where the NULL byte handling becomes problematic. The attack vector typically involves crafting HTTP requests with specially formatted URL parameters that contain double URL-encoded NULL bytes, which then get processed by ColdFusion's file handling routines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations running affected ColdFusion versions, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to sensitive information and system resources. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the web application and underlying server, as attackers can access configuration files, source code, database credentials, and other sensitive data stored on the server. This information disclosure can enable further attacks including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and system compromise. The vulnerability also poses risks to business continuity and regulatory compliance, as it can expose confidential information that organizations are required to protect under various data protection regulations. Organizations may face legal and financial consequences if sensitive data is compromised through this vulnerability, particularly in industries with strict compliance requirements such as healthcare, financial services, or government sectors.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Adobe, which address this specific NULL byte handling issue in ColdFusion versions. Additionally, network-level restrictions should be implemented to limit access to ColdFusion application endpoints, and input validation should be strengthened to prevent malicious URL encoding patterns from reaching the application layer. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file access patterns and URL encoding anomalies that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to help identify and block malicious requests containing double URL-encoded NULL bytes. The remediation process should include thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected systems and applications, followed by proper patch management procedures to ensure complete protection. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and the need for organizations to maintain current security practices, as it represents a classic example of how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks in web application environments. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique for Path Traversal and Information Disclosure, highlighting its potential for both reconnaissance and exploitation phases of cyber attacks.