CVE-2017-11285 in ColdFusion
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe ColdFusion has a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. This affects Update 4 and earlier versions for ColdFusion 2016, and Update 12 and earlier versions for ColdFusion 11.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2021
Adobe ColdFusion versions 2016 Update 4 and earlier as well as ColdFusion 11 Update 12 and earlier contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability that represents a critical security flaw in the web application framework. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the ColdFusion administrator interface and related components. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the administrative interface where sensitive configuration and management functions are accessible, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise entire ColdFusion server deployments.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web responses. In ColdFusion's case, the vulnerability manifests in parameters and form fields that handle user input without adequate filtering or encoding, allowing attackers to inject script tags or other malicious code. This weakness aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The vulnerability can be exploited through various vectors including URL parameters, form submissions, and potentially through file upload functionalities where user-controllable data is processed and displayed without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within ColdFusion environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially access administrative functions, modify configuration settings, or escalate privileges within the ColdFusion server. The attack surface is particularly broad given that ColdFusion serves as a platform for numerous enterprise web applications, making this vulnerability a significant threat to organizations that rely on the platform for their web services. The risk is amplified in environments where ColdFusion is used to handle sensitive data or where administrative access is not properly segmented from regular user access.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches for ColdFusion 2016 Update 5 and ColdFusion 11 Update 13, which address the XSS vulnerability through improved input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Network segmentation and web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and filter traffic to ColdFusion administrative interfaces. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers, including client-side and server-side, can help reduce the risk of exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for organizations to maintain current patch management processes and to regularly audit their public-facing applications for known vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and monitoring of application logs for suspicious activities should also be implemented as part of comprehensive defensive measures against this and similar threats.