Adobe has urgently released security updates to tackle a severe vulnerability in its ColdFusion software, identified as CVE-2024-53961, which possesses proof-of-concept exploit code. This critical flaw, emerging from a path traversal issue, places Adobe ColdFusion versions 2021 and 2023 at risk of unauthorized access, potentially allowing attackers to read sensitive files on affected servers.
Urgent Call for Action: Security Patches Released
In a recently issued advisory, Adobe stressed the severity of this vulnerability by assigning it a “Priority 1” rating, indicating a high likelihood of exploitation in the wild. The company has swiftly responded by rolling out emergency patches—ColdFusion 2021 Update 18 and ColdFusion 2023 Update 12. Adobe advises all administrators to implement these updates within the next 72 hours and to adhere to the security practices recommended in their respective lockdown guides for ColdFusion 2023 and 2021.
“Adobe is aware that CVE-2024-53961 has a known proof-of-concept that could cause an arbitrary file system read,” stated the company in the advisory, underscoring the immediate threat posed by this vulnerability.
The Persistent Threat of Path Traversal Vulnerabilities
Path traversal vulnerabilities, such as the one affecting Adobe ColdFusion, enable attackers to access files and directories stored outside the web root folder. If exploited, such vulnerabilities can lead to significant security breaches, including the exposure of critical data and system credentials. These issues are particularly concerning as they could facilitate further attacks, including brute-force attempts to compromise other accounts.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has long cautioned against the dangers of path traversal flaws, urging software developers to address these vulnerabilities before releasing their products. “Vulnerabilities like directory traversal have been called ‘unforgivable’ since at least 2007,” CISA noted, highlighting the enduring risk they pose despite being well-recognized within the cybersecurity community.
A History of ColdFusion Vulnerabilities
Adobe’s ColdFusion has been a repeated target for cyberattacks. In 2023, CISA mandated federal agencies to fortify their ColdFusion servers against other critical flaws, which had been actively exploited, including in zero-day attacks. The ongoing challenges with securing ColdFusion environments emphasize the need for continuous vigilance and prompt application of security updates.
Recommendations for ColdFusion Users
Administrators managing ColdFusion environments are encouraged to review Adobe’s serial filter documentation, which has been updated to provide guidance on mitigating insecure Wddx deserialization attacks, another vector that attackers might exploit. By staying informed about these vulnerabilities and implementing recommended security measures, organizations can better protect themselves against potential cyber threats.
