CVE-2006-6482 in ColdFusion MX
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe ColdFusion MX7 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a URL request (1) for a non-existent (a) JWS, (b) CFM, (c) CFML, or (d) CFC file, which displays the installation path in the resulting error message; or (2) to /CFIDE/administrator/login.cfm without a host, which can reveal the server s internal IP address in an HREF tag.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2021
Adobe ColdFusion MX7 contains a critical information disclosure vulnerability that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers through carefully crafted URL requests. This vulnerability stems from the application server's inadequate error handling mechanisms when processing requests for non-existent files within the ColdFusion framework. The flaw manifests when attackers submit requests for non-existent JWS, CFM, CFML, or CFC files, causing the system to generate error messages that inadvertently reveal the complete installation path of the ColdFusion server. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which addresses error messages containing sensitive information, and represents a classic example of insecure error handling that violates fundamental security principles.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through simple HTTP requests that target missing files within the ColdFusion application structure. When the server encounters a request for a non-existent file, it generates an error response that includes the full filesystem path where ColdFusion is installed, effectively providing attackers with critical infrastructure information. Additionally, the vulnerability extends to requests made to the administrative login page at /CFIDE/administrator/login.cfm without proper host headers, which can expose the server's internal IP address within HREF tags in the generated error pages. This dual nature of the vulnerability creates multiple attack vectors that can be leveraged by threat actors to build comprehensive reconnaissance profiles of the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with foundational information necessary for further exploitation attempts. The exposed installation paths can reveal directory structures, server configurations, and potentially sensitive file locations that may aid in subsequent attacks such as path traversal or arbitrary file inclusion exploits. The disclosure of internal IP addresses creates additional attack surface by enabling network-based reconnaissance and potentially allowing attackers to bypass certain network security controls. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations using legacy ColdFusion MX7 installations, which may be running on outdated systems without proper security updates, making them prime targets for exploitation.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling error messages that reveal system paths, implementing proper input validation for file requests, and configuring web server security headers to prevent path disclosure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper error handling practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security controls, specifically addressing the need for secure error handling and information leakage prevention. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter out suspicious requests targeting non-existent ColdFusion files and establish monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities across the entire application stack, as this issue commonly affects legacy systems that lack proper security hardening measures.