CVE-2026-76190 in ColdFusion
Summary
by MITRE • 09/08/2026
ColdFusion is affected by an Improper Neutralization of Directives in Dynamically Evaluated Code ('Eval Injection') vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code. Exploitation of this issue does not require user interaction. Scope is changed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2026
The identified vulnerability represents a critical security flaw within Adobe ColdFusion, classified technically as Improper Neutralization of Directives in Dynamically Evaluated Code, commonly referred to as Eval Injection. This category of weakness aligns with CWE-95, which describes the failure to neutralize special elements that are used in commands or directives during dynamic code evaluation. In this specific instance, the vulnerability arises from ColdFusion's handling of user-supplied input within functions that interpret and execute strings as code. When an application accepts external data without rigorous validation or sanitization before passing it to a dynamic execution engine such as eval(), cfscript() with string arguments, or similar reflective mechanisms, it creates a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands. The core technical flaw lies in the assumption that input passed through these dynamic interpreters is safe, ignoring the fact that code injection can occur if special characters are not properly escaped or if logic flaws allow unintended command structures to be parsed and executed by the server-side engine.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user running the ColdFusion service. This means that an attacker who successfully exploits this flaw can execute system-level commands, access sensitive files, modify database contents, or establish persistent backdoors on the compromised server. The scope change noted in the vulnerability description indicates that the impact extends beyond the immediate application layer to affect the underlying operating system and potentially other services running under the same user account privileges. This escalation of privilege is particularly dangerous because ColdFusion often runs with elevated permissions to facilitate database connectivity and file operations, thereby granting attackers significant control over the infrastructure hosting the web applications.
Exploitation of this vulnerability does not require any form of user interaction, which significantly lowers the barrier for entry for threat actors. Automated scanning tools can detect vulnerable endpoints by sending crafted payloads that trigger the eval injection without needing a human to click links or submit forms through a graphical interface. This characteristic makes ColdFusion instances highly susceptible to automated attacks across the internet. Attackers typically probe known vulnerabilities using large-scale botnets, seeking out unpatched systems to compromise for cryptomining, data exfiltration, or as part of larger ransomware campaigns. The lack of required user interaction means that even well-configured web applications with strong authentication mechanisms can be compromised if they rely on this vulnerable function and expose it via network-accessible endpoints.
To mitigate the risks associated with Eval Injection in ColdFusion, immediate patching is essential. Administrators should apply the latest security updates provided by Adobe to ensure that known flaws in dynamic code evaluation are addressed through improved input validation and sanitization routines within the platform itself. In addition to software updates, developers must review application logic to identify any instances where user-supplied data is passed directly into functions capable of executing strings as code. Replacing these dynamic evaluations with safer alternatives, such as direct function calls or structured configuration files that do not involve runtime interpretation of arbitrary input, can eliminate the attack surface entirely. Input validation should be implemented using a whitelist approach, ensuring that only expected characters and formats are accepted, while all other inputs are rejected or strictly sanitized before processing.
Furthermore, network-level defenses play a crucial role in mitigating this threat. Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) can be configured with rulesets specifically designed to detect patterns associated with code injection attacks, including those targeting eval functions. These tools inspect incoming HTTP requests for suspicious payloads and block them before they reach the ColdFusion application server. It is also advisable to restrict network access to ColdFusion administrative interfaces and any exposed endpoints that utilize dynamic evaluation features, limiting exposure only to trusted IP addresses where possible. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in custom code, ensuring that the principle of least privilege is maintained for all application services and that runtime environments are hardened against reflective execution attacks as defined by industry standards such as MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script interpretation.