CVE-2026-48440
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2026
ColdFusion is affected by a Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploit depends on conditions beyond the attacker's control. Exploitation of this issue does not require user interaction.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2026
This heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in ColdFusion represents a critical security flaw that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently running user. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the application's handling of user-supplied data, specifically when processing certain input parameters that are processed through the application's internal memory allocation mechanisms. The flaw allows an attacker to write data beyond the bounds of allocated heap memory regions, potentially corrupting adjacent memory structures and enabling code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-121 which catalogs heap-based buffer overflow conditions as a fundamental memory safety issue.
The exploitation of this vulnerability does not require user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered automatically through network-based attacks without any involvement from the end user. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted input to the ColdFusion application server that causes the vulnerable code path to allocate insufficient heap memory for processing the data. When the application attempts to write beyond this allocated buffer, it overflows into adjacent memory locations and can potentially overwrite critical program execution pointers or return addresses. This type of attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the attack tree framework under the MITRE ATT&CK matrix where adversaries leverage memory corruption vulnerabilities to achieve code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for further compromise within the affected system. Since the exploitation occurs in the context of the current user, an attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially escalate privileges or access sensitive data depending on the user account's permissions. The vulnerability affects systems where ColdFusion applications are deployed and can impact various components including web applications, application servers, and backend services that rely on ColdFusion's processing capabilities. Organizations running affected versions of ColdFusion should prioritize patching this vulnerability as it represents a significant risk to their overall security posture.
Security mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment from Adobe's official security advisories which typically address the specific memory handling issues within the vulnerable code paths. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential attack surface by restricting direct access to ColdFusion application servers from untrusted networks. Input validation and sanitization measures should also be reinforced at all application layers to reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices in enterprise applications and highlights why organizations must maintain up-to-date security patches for all components within their technology stack. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include evaluation of heap-based memory corruption vulnerabilities as part of comprehensive vulnerability management programs.