CVE-2026-48313 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 file system read and limited write access. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive files and directories outside the intended access scope. 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, classified under CWE-22 as improper limitation of pathname to a restricted directory. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that influences file system operations, allowing attackers to manipulate path resolution mechanisms. This weakness enables adversaries to traverse directory boundaries and access files outside the intended restricted directories through carefully crafted input sequences that exploit insufficient input validation controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within ColdFusion's file handling components where pathname resolution does not adequately filter or sanitize user-controllable parameters. Attackers can leverage this by submitting malicious path sequences such as double dots followed by forward slashes or backslashes that bypass directory restrictions. The vulnerability's impact extends to both read and write operations, though the write access appears limited in scope compared to full system compromise. This weakness primarily affects applications utilizing ColdFusion's file system APIs where user input directly influences file operations without proper sanitization.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially application source code. An attacker could exploit this issue to read database connection strings, application credentials, system configuration files, or other confidential information stored on the server. The limited write access capability means adversaries might be able to modify certain files or directories, potentially leading to further compromise through file inclusion attacks or privilege escalation. Given that exploitation requires no user interaction, this vulnerability represents a significant threat vector that can be leveraged for automated attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Adobe which address the path traversal vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization. System administrators must also configure proper file system access controls and implement robust input validation at all entry points where file operations occur. Network segmentation and firewall rules should restrict direct access to ColdFusion server components, while implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious path traversal attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through file system enumeration. Regular security assessments should include thorough testing of file system access controls and input validation mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in the application architecture.
This vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient input validation can create fundamental security weaknesses that affect core system operations. The path traversal flaw enables attackers to bypass intended access controls through manipulation of pathname sequences, highlighting the importance of proper input sanitization in file system operations. Organizations must adopt comprehensive security practices including regular patch management, input validation implementation, and continuous monitoring to protect against such vulnerabilities. The attack surface expands significantly when applications fail to properly validate user input that influences critical system functions, making this type of vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where sensitive data is routinely processed through web applications.