CVE-2019-8073 in ColdFusion
Summary
by MITRE
ColdFusion 2018- update 4 and earlier and ColdFusion 2016- update 11 and earlier have a Command Injection via Vulnerable component vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to Arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8073 represents a critical command injection flaw affecting Adobe ColdFusion versions 2018 update 4 and earlier, as well as ColdFusion 2016 update 11 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within a vulnerable component of the ColdFusion application server, specifically targeting the handling of user-supplied input that gets processed through system command execution mechanisms. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious commands that are subsequently executed by the underlying operating system, creating a severe security risk that can be exploited remotely without authentication requirements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within ColdFusion's component processing logic. When user input passes through certain API endpoints or component methods, the system fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as command delimiters or operators. This allows attackers to inject operating system commands that execute with the privileges of the ColdFusion application pool account. The vulnerability specifically impacts components that handle file operations, system calls, or external process execution, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on these functionalities.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8073 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate confidential information, or use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target affected systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or prior authentication, making it particularly attractive for automated attack campaigns. Organizations running vulnerable ColdFusion versions face significant risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-8073 should focus on immediate patching of affected ColdFusion installations to the latest available updates from Adobe. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to ColdFusion administration interfaces and reduce the attack surface. Input validation and sanitization measures should be enhanced throughout the application codebase, with particular attention to components that handle user input destined for system commands. Security monitoring should be strengthened to detect unusual command execution patterns, and access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are enforced. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88 categories related to command injection and improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution, and maps to ATT&CK techniques involving command and control, privilege escalation, and defense evasion.