CVE-2026-48363 in ColdFusion
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
ColdFusion versions 2025.9, 2023.20 and earlier are affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file. Scope is changed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2026
The vulnerability described represents a critical uncontrolled search path element weakness affecting Adobe ColdFusion versions 2025.9, 2023.20 and earlier, which falls under the CWE-427 category of uncontrolled search path elements. This flaw allows attackers to manipulate the dynamic link library (dll) search order during application execution, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user context. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only user interaction for exploitation, specifically through opening a malicious file, making it highly relevant to social engineering attacks and targeted phishing campaigns. The attack vector leverages the system's default behavior of searching for required libraries in predictable locations without proper validation of source integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from ColdFusion's failure to properly validate or sanitize the search path elements used when loading dynamic link libraries or other executable components. When the application processes user-supplied files or data, it may inadvertently incorporate untrusted paths into its library resolution mechanism, creating opportunities for attackers to place malicious binaries that will be executed in the context of the vulnerable application process. This issue specifically impacts systems where ColdFusion applications dynamically load external libraries or components, particularly those handling file uploads, processing external data sources, or executing user-controllable code paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access within affected environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within network infrastructure. The requirement for user interaction limits the scalability of automated exploitation but increases the likelihood of successful compromise in targeted attacks where social engineering can be effectively employed. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where ColdFusion is used as a web application platform and where users may encounter malicious files through legitimate business processes such as document sharing or email attachments.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Adobe, which typically address the search path validation issues by enforcing stricter library loading behaviors. System administrators should also consider implementing additional protective measures such as restricting user privileges for ColdFusion applications, implementing application whitelisting policies, and configuring proper file access controls to prevent unauthorized binary placement in system directories. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and may map to T1548.002 for abuse of group policy preferences for persistence. Network segmentation and monitoring for unusual library loading patterns should be implemented as additional defensive measures, particularly in environments where user interaction is common and file handling processes are prevalent.