CVE-2026-106613 in ColdFusion
Summary
by MITRE • 10/13/2026
ColdFusion is affected by an Improper Input Validation vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. A low-privileged attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code. Exploitation of this issue does not require user interaction.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2026
The identified vulnerability represents a critical security flaw within Adobe ColdFusion, classified fundamentally as an Improper Input Validation error. This category of weakness occurs when software fails to adequately verify or sanitize data received from external sources before processing it. In the specific context of this vulnerability, the application does not sufficiently check the format, type, length, or content of input parameters passed to its internal functions. This lack of rigorous validation allows an attacker to inject malicious payloads that bypass expected logical boundaries within the application layer. The severity is compounded by the fact that exploitation requires no user interaction and can be initiated by a low-privileged attacker, indicating that authentication barriers are either absent for certain endpoints or easily circumvented through automated means.
From a technical perspective, the absence of proper input validation creates an opening for arbitrary code execution. When untrusted data enters the system without being filtered against a strict allowlist or properly escaped, it can be interpreted as executable commands by the underlying server environment. This typically involves manipulating query strings, form fields, or HTTP headers to trigger unintended behavior in the ColdFusion runtime engine. The attacker crafts specific input sequences that exploit parsing ambiguities or logic errors within the application code. Once these malicious inputs are processed, they allow the execution of system-level commands with the privileges assigned to the user account running the ColdFusion service. This transforms a simple data entry point into a remote command injection vector, effectively granting the attacker control over the server's operational state.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching. Arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user means that if the ColdFusion process runs with administrative or high-level system privileges, the compromised account inherits those rights. An attacker can use this access to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data stored on the server, pivot to other systems within the network, or disrupt service availability by modifying critical configuration files or terminating essential processes. Because exploitation does not require user interaction, automated scanning tools and bots can rapidly identify vulnerable instances across the internet, leading to widespread compromise without targeted social engineering efforts. This significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the time window for detection and remediation before significant damage occurs.
To mitigate this risk, immediate action is required at both the infrastructure and application levels. The primary recommendation is to apply the latest security patches provided by Adobe ColdFusion, as these updates typically include specific fixes for input validation logic in affected components. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as Web Application Firewalls configured with rulesets designed to detect and block common injection patterns associated with code execution vulnerabilities. Additionally, adhering to the principle of least privilege is crucial; ensuring that the ColdFusion service runs under a restricted user account limits the potential damage if an exploit succeeds. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses across other applications hosted on or connected to the same infrastructure.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration identifier CWE-20, which defines Improper Input Validation as a failure to validate data against expected constraints before processing. It also maps directly to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1190, Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage vulnerabilities in internet-facing software to gain initial access. Understanding these mappings helps security teams prioritize remediation efforts based on established industry frameworks and threat intelligence models. By addressing the root cause of improper input validation and reinforcing defense-in-depth strategies, organizations can significantly reduce their exposure to this class of critical remote code execution threats.