Adobe ColdFusion: Incorrect Authorization allows arbitrary code execution
Summary
Adobe ColdFusion 2023 and 2025 contain an Incorrect Authorization flaw (CWE-863) that can allow arbitrary code execution in the context of the current ColdFusion user. The attack vector is local and requires a low-privileged account, so an attacker needs a foothold on the server or another way to reach such an account. No user interaction is required, and because the scope changes, the impact can extend beyond ColdFusion itself. Adobe reports no known exploitation in the wild, and no public proof of concept was found.
Affected
- Adobe ColdFusion 2025 up to and including 2025.0.13
- Adobe ColdFusion 2023 up to and including 2023.0.25
Fixed in
- Adobe ColdFusion 2025 Update 14 (2025.0.14)
- Adobe ColdFusion 2023 Update 26 (2023.0.26)
Workaround
Unknown. No CVE-specific workaround is documented; the update is the only remedy.
Exploitation
- Adobe is not aware of any exploits in the wild for the issues in this bulletin.
- No public proof of concept found at the time of research.
- CISA SSVC assessment: exploitation none, automatable no, technical impact total.
Our recommendation
- Update ColdFusion 2025 to 2025.0.14 and ColdFusion 2023 to 2023.0.26 as part of the complete bulletin APSB26-144.
- Test applications before rollout, as Update 26 includes changes that may require configuration updates.
- Review local accounts and the exposure of the ColdFusion Administrator.
- After patching, check the host for unexpected code execution.
Public exploits
PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.
Research sources
- Adobe Security Bulletin APSB26-144 www.adobe.com
- ColdFusion 2023 Release Update 26 (Adobe Guide) guides.adobe.com
- Tenable plugin 366551 www.tenable.com
- Adobe October 2026 security fixes (Blacktree) blacktree.nl
- Adobe ColdFusion October 2026 patches (Yaam Labs) yaamlabs.com
Researched and written up in English and German by an AI (Claude by Anthropic) based on NVD, CISA, EPSS and the sources listed. The vendor information is authoritative. Researched on 31 Oct 2026, 17:10.
Original description (NVD)
ColdFusion is affected by an Incorrect Authorization vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. A low-privileged attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code. Exploitation of this issue does not require user interaction. Scope is changed.
NVD references (1)
Sources
The tracker combines official, freely usable data sources – updated continuously:
- NVD (NIST) – CVEs, rating (CVSS), affected products
- CISA KEV – vulnerabilities confirmed by CISA as actively exploited
- CISA Vulnrichment – CISA assessment (SSVC) in the official CVE record
- FIRST EPSS – probability of exploitation
- Microsoft MSRC – Patch Tuesday: vulnerabilities, severity, updates
- PoC-in-GitHub – public proof-of-concept repositories
- Metasploit (Rapid7) – modules of the Metasploit Framework
- Exploit-DB (OffSec) – archive of public exploits (links only)
- Patch days: official vendor pages (linked per vendor) (Vendor patch days)
This product uses data from the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. EPSS data © FIRST.org.
Affected? We can help.
We check whether your systems are affected, install updates and close the gap – continuously with the System Health Checker if you wish.