CVE-2026-48282 in ColdFusion
Summary
by MITRE • 06/30/2026
ColdFusion versions 2025.9, 2023.20 and earlier are affected by an Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability that could lead to 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 path traversal flaw affecting Adobe ColdFusion versions 2025.9, 2023.20, and earlier releases, falling under the CWE-22 category for improper limitation of pathname to restricted directory. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's file handling processes, allowing attackers to manipulate file path parameters to access directories outside the intended scope. When ColdFusion processes user-supplied path data without proper authorization checks or canonicalization, it creates opportunities for malicious actors to traverse the filesystem hierarchy and potentially access sensitive files or execute arbitrary code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of file path parameters that are processed by ColdFusion's internal file operations. Attackers can construct specially crafted requests containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that bypass normal access controls, enabling them to navigate to restricted directories and potentially execute malicious code within the context of the current user account. This particular vulnerability is especially dangerous because it does not require user interaction for exploitation, making it a server-side attack vector that can be leveraged remotely by threat actors without needing to convince users to perform specific actions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise depending on the privileges of the ColdFusion service account. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially read sensitive configuration files, extract database credentials, access source code repositories, or deploy malicious payloads that persist across system reboots. The vulnerability's scope changes indicate that attackers may be able to access additional resources beyond what was initially intended, potentially expanding the attack surface and increasing the potential damage.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected ColdFusion versions to the latest available releases from Adobe, which contain proper input validation and path sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of ColdFusion applications to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation at all application entry points, employing web application firewalls with path traversal detection capabilities, and conducting regular security assessments of file handling operations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and script injection, while the MITRE ATT&CK matrix would classify the exploitation technique under T1566 for malicious file execution, highlighting the multi-layered approach needed to defend against such attacks.
Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that detect anomalous file access patterns or directory traversal attempts within their ColdFusion environments. Regular security audits of application code and configuration settings can help identify additional weaknesses in file handling processes that might compound the risks associated with this vulnerability. The implementation of principle of least privilege for ColdFusion service accounts, combined with regular security updates and patch management processes, forms a comprehensive defense strategy against path traversal attacks targeting enterprise applications.