CVE-2019-8074 in ColdFusion
Summary
by MITRE
ColdFusion 2018- update 4 and earlier and ColdFusion 2016- update 11 and earlier have a Path Traversal vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to Access Control Bypass in the context of the current user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8074 represents a critical path traversal flaw affecting Adobe ColdFusion versions up to and including update 4 for ColdFusion 2018 and update 11 for ColdFusion 2016. This vulnerability resides within the application's file handling mechanisms and allows unauthorized access to system resources through improper input validation. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate file paths and access files outside the intended directory structure, potentially compromising the entire system's security posture. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of the current user, meaning that exploitation can lead to access control bypass and subsequent privilege escalation depending on the user's permissions. This path traversal vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input that is used in file system operations, creating a direct pathway for malicious actors to navigate beyond the intended application boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of file path parameters through crafted input that can be processed by ColdFusion's file handling functions. When ColdFusion processes user input containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before using them in file system operations. This allows attackers to construct malicious paths that can access sensitive files, directories, or system resources that should normally be protected. The vulnerability manifests when ColdFusion applications handle file operations without proper path validation, enabling attackers to bypass intended access controls and potentially read confidential data, execute arbitrary code, or even gain system-level privileges depending on the application's configuration and the attacker's objectives.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8074 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can lead to comprehensive system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can potentially access configuration files containing database credentials, application secrets, or other sensitive information that could facilitate further attacks. The access control bypass capability means that even if the initial attack targets a specific application, the compromised system could provide access to other applications running on the same server or access to underlying system resources. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and follows patterns commonly associated with privilege escalation techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for web applications that process user uploads or handle file operations, as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including web interface manipulation, API endpoints, or file upload handlers.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates for ColdFusion versions 2018 update 4 and 2016 update 11. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of exploitation. Input validation should be enhanced at all application layers to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed as legitimate file paths. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems. System administrators should also review and restrict file system permissions for ColdFusion applications to minimize the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that applications operate with the principle of least privilege. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in preventing path traversal attacks that can compromise entire application environments.