CVE-2020-9672 in ColdFusion
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe ColdFusion 2016 update 15 and earlier versions, and ColdFusion 2018 update 9 and earlier versions have a dll search-order hijacking vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2025
Adobe ColdFusion versions 2016 update 15 and earlier, along with ColdFusion 2018 update 9 and earlier, contain a critical dll search-order hijacking vulnerability that presents significant security risks to affected systems. This vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of dynamic link library loading sequences, where the software does not correctly prioritize system directories when searching for required libraries. The flaw allows malicious actors to place malicious dll files in directories that are searched before legitimate system directories, enabling unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-778 category of improper limitation of a pathname to a known-good set, specifically manifesting as a dll search-order hijacking issue. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited to achieve privilege escalation, allowing attackers to gain higher system privileges than initially granted.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when ColdFusion applications load dynamic link libraries without proper security controls over the search path. When the application attempts to load a required dll file, the system searches through directories in a specific order, and if a malicious dll is placed in an earlier search path directory, it will be loaded instead of the legitimate library. This behavior is consistent with the attack patterns documented in the attack technique T1068, which describes privilege escalation through the exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the inherent Windows dll loading mechanism, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation can result in complete system takeover, data theft, persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running affected ColdFusion versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive business data and critical infrastructure systems. The vulnerability affects not only individual servers but can also compromise entire enterprise networks, especially when ColdFusion is used as a central application platform for web services and business applications. The potential for privilege escalation means that attackers who initially gain access through other vectors can use this vulnerability to elevate their access level and maintain persistent access to target systems.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the official security patches released by Adobe, which correct the dll search-order handling behavior. System administrators should also implement strict directory permissions and audit dll loading behavior through process monitoring tools. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that ColdFusion applications run with minimal required permissions. Additionally, organizations should deploy network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual dll loading patterns and implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized dll execution. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable software and ensure that all systems have been properly updated to prevent exploitation attempts.