CVE-2024-20767 in ColdFusion 2021
Summary
by MITRE • 03/18/2024
ColdFusion versions 2023.6, 2021.12 and earlier are affected by an Improper Access Control vulnerability that could lead to arbitrary file system read. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access to sensitive files and perform arbitrary file system write. Exploitation of this issue does not require user interaction.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20767 represents a critical improper access control flaw within Adobe ColdFusion platforms affecting versions 2023.6, 2021.12, and earlier releases. This vulnerability resides in the application server's file system access controls and stems from insufficient validation of user permissions when processing file operations. The flaw allows attackers to bypass established security boundaries that typically protect sensitive system files, configuration data, and user content from unauthorized access. According to CWE-284, this issue manifests as an inadequate access control mechanism where the system fails to properly enforce authorization checks during file system operations. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its lack of requirement for user interaction, meaning attackers can exploit it remotely without needing to trick users into performing specific actions.
The technical implementation of this access control bypass occurs through manipulation of file system APIs or web service endpoints that handle file operations within the ColdFusion environment. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform arbitrary file system reads, gaining access to sensitive data including but not limited to application configuration files, database connection strings, user credentials stored in configuration files, and potentially system-level information that could reveal network topology or system architecture. The write capability associated with this vulnerability further escalates the threat level as it allows attackers to modify or inject malicious content into the file system, potentially leading to persistent backdoors or complete system compromise. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreters, as the compromised system could be used to execute malicious commands or scripts.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-20767 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within affected networks. Organizations running vulnerable ColdFusion installations face risks of data breaches, system infiltration, and potential use as a foothold for broader network attacks. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed ColdFusion versions means that numerous web applications, enterprise systems, and public-facing websites could be at risk. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially access source code repositories, customer databases, internal documentation, and other sensitive information that organizations rely on for business continuity and regulatory compliance. The lack of user interaction requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically by threat actors scanning for vulnerable systems.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the latest security patches from Adobe, which address the improper access control mechanisms through enhanced authorization checks and proper validation of file system operations. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to ColdFusion administration interfaces and file system endpoints, limiting the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate any custom code or configurations that might introduce additional access control bypasses. System monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file system activity patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced across all ColdFusion components, ensuring that file system operations are restricted to only those processes and users that absolutely require such access. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to provide an additional layer of protection against exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability.