CVE-2026-106618 in ColdFusion
Summary
by MITRE • 10/14/2026
ColdFusion is affected by an Incorrect Authorization 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. Scope is changed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2026
The identified vulnerability represents a critical failure in access control mechanisms within Adobe ColdFusion, specifically categorized as an Incorrect Authorization flaw. This type of security defect occurs when the application fails to properly verify that a requesting entity has the necessary permissions to perform a specific action or access a particular resource. In this instance, the lack of rigorous authorization checks allows any authenticated user, regardless of their assigned privilege level, to interact with internal functions or endpoints intended for administrative use only. The core technical issue lies in the server's inability to distinguish between requests originating from standard users and those that should be restricted to higher-privileged roles, effectively bypassing the intended security boundaries established by the system administrator.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability enables an attacker with low privileges to escalate their rights within the application environment. By manipulating HTTP requests or exploiting specific API endpoints that lack proper role-based access control validation, the attacker can trigger server-side operations that are not meant for general users. Because ColdFusion is often used as a backend engine for complex web applications and enterprise systems, these internal functions frequently have direct access to system resources, databases, and file structures. The absence of strict authorization checks means that once an attacker identifies the vulnerable endpoint or function, they can execute commands with the same privileges as the user account currently logged into the session, which may inadvertently possess elevated permissions due to poor privilege management practices within the organization's deployment configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, primarily because it facilitates arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. This means that an attacker can inject and run malicious scripts or commands on the server hosting ColdFusion. The consequences extend beyond simple data theft; they include complete compromise of the underlying operating system if the application service runs with high privileges. Attackers can use this access to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive corporate data, modify application logic, or pivot further into the internal network. Since exploitation does not require user interaction, such as clicking a malicious link or opening a crafted file, the attack vector is fully remote and automated. This significantly lowers the barrier for entry for attackers, allowing them to target vulnerable instances at scale without needing social engineering tactics to initiate the exploit chain.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-269, which describes Improper Privilege Management, where software does not properly assign privileges or roles to actors. Furthermore, in terms of offensive security frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, this behavior corresponds to techniques involving privilege escalation and command execution on remote systems. The change in scope indicates that the impact is no longer limited to a single user's data but affects the broader system integrity, potentially compromising other users and services hosted on the same infrastructure. This shift underscores the critical nature of the flaw, as it transforms a potential information disclosure issue into a full system compromise scenario.
To mitigate this risk, organizations must immediately apply the latest security patches provided by Adobe for ColdFusion, which address these specific authorization logic errors. It is imperative to ensure that all instances are updated to versions where the access control lists and role-based permissions have been hardened. Additionally, administrators should review their deployment configurations to adhere to the principle of least privilege, ensuring that application services run with minimal necessary rights rather than broad administrative privileges. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls can also be configured to detect and block anomalous request patterns associated with unauthorized access attempts, although patching remains the primary and most effective defense against this specific class of vulnerability.