Vulnerability in Adobe ColdFusion Allows Arbitrary Code Execution

Fortify Security Team
Mar 23, 2021

A vulnerability has been discovered in Adobe ColdFusion, which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Adobe ColdFusion is a web application development platform. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in an attacker executing arbitrary code in the context of the affected application. Depending on the privileges associated with the application, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Applications that are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those that operate with administrative user rights.

THREAT INTELLIGENCE: There are currently no reports of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

  • ColdFusion 2021 (Version 2021.0.0.323925)
  • ColdFusion 2018 (Update 10 and earlier)
  • ColdFusion 2016 (Update 16 and earlier)

RISK:

Government:

  • Large and medium government entities: High
  • Small government entities: Medium

Businesses:

  • Large and medium business entities: High
  • Small business entities: Medium

Home users: Low

TECHNICAL SUMMARY:

A vulnerability has been discovered in Adobe ColdFusion, which could allow for arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability occurs due to improper input validation. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in an attacker executing arbitrary code in the context of the affected application. Depending on the privileges associated with the application, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Applications that are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those that operate with administrative user rights.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

We recommend the following actions be taken:

  • Install the updates provided by Adobe immediately after appropriate testing.
  • Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack.
  • Remind users not to visit un-trusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or un-trusted sources.
  • Inform and educate users regarding the threats posed by hypertext links contained in emails or attachments especially from un-trusted sources.
  • Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to all systems and services.

REFERENCES:

Adobe:

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/coldfusion/apsb21-16.html

CVE:

https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2021-21087

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