CVE-2026-48277 in ColdFusion
Summary
by MITRE • 06/30/2026
ColdFusion versions 2025.9, 2023.20 and earlier are affected by an Improper Input Validation vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue does not require user interaction. Scope is changed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical improper input validation flaw affecting Adobe ColdFusion versions 2025.9, 2023.20 and earlier, categorized under CWE-20 as improper input validation within the application's security architecture. The flaw exists in how the software processes user-supplied data, specifically in the handling of certain parameters that are not properly validated or sanitized before being used in application logic. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that bypasses validation mechanisms, allowing them to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user account running the ColdFusion server process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a pathway where unvalidated input reaches critical system functions without proper sanitization or encoding. This creates an environment where attackers can manipulate application behavior by injecting malicious payloads that are then interpreted and executed by the ColdFusion runtime engine. The vulnerability's impact extends to arbitrary code execution, which means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to perform actions such as file system operations, network communications, process execution, and data manipulation with the privileges of the running ColdFusion service account.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe given its classification as a remote code execution flaw that does not require user interaction for exploitation. This characteristic places organizations at significant risk as attackers can leverage the vulnerability from external networks without needing to trick users into performing specific actions. The scope of impact is particularly concerning because the code execution occurs within the context of the current user, which typically means the ColdFusion service account privileges are inherited by the malicious payload. This could lead to complete system compromise if the service account has elevated permissions or access to sensitive data repositories.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches provided by Adobe, which would address the improper input validation logic that allows this vulnerability to be exploited. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to ColdFusion server ports and services where possible, limiting exposure to potential attackers. Additionally, implementing strict input validation controls at multiple layers of the application architecture can provide defense in depth. The ATT&CK framework categorizes such vulnerabilities under T1059 for command and script injection techniques, making it critical for security teams to monitor for suspicious command execution patterns and network connections that might indicate exploitation attempts.
Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual file system activities, unexpected network communications, and abnormal process creation patterns that could indicate successful exploitation of this vulnerability. The lack of user interaction requirement makes automated exploitation tools particularly dangerous as they can scan networks for vulnerable systems and automatically exploit them without human intervention. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify additional vulnerabilities in ColdFusion applications and ensure proper input validation is implemented across all application components that handle external data inputs.