Uncontrolled Search Path Element in Adobe ColdFusion

Executive Summary

CVE-2026-48363 is an Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability affecting ColdFusion versions 2025.9, 2023.20, and earlier. This type of vulnerability occurs when an application uses an uncontrolled search path to load libraries or other resources, allowing an attacker to manipulate the path and load malicious files instead of legitimate ones.

In this case, exploitation requires user interaction, meaning a victim must open a malicious file crafted by the attacker. If exploited, the vulnerability could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. The scope of the vulnerability is changed, indicating that its impact extends beyond the initial security boundary.

The CVSS v3.1 score for this vulnerability is 8.2, categorized as high severity. The vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H indicates it requires local access, low attack complexity, low privileges, and user interaction, but it can lead to high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Detection Guidance

Detection of CVE-2026-48363 involves verifying the installed version of Adobe ColdFusion on your system. This vulnerability affects ColdFusion versions 2025.9, 2023.20, and earlier. You can check the version by accessing the ColdFusion Administrator interface or inspecting the installation directory for version-specific files.

• On Windows, you can check the ColdFusion version by navigating to the ColdFusion installation directory (e.g., C:\ColdFusion2023\cfusion\lib) and examining the version.txt or similar files.
• On Linux, you can check the version by running the following command in the ColdFusion installation directory: cat /opt/coldfusion2023/cfusion/lib/version.txt (adjust the path based on your installation).

Additionally, monitor for unusual file execution or unexpected processes running under the ColdFusion service account, as exploitation requires a victim to open a malicious file.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Impact Analysis

If you are using an affected version of ColdFusion (2025.9, 2023.20, or earlier), this vulnerability could have several impacts:

• Arbitrary code execution: An attacker could execute malicious code on your system with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to full system compromise.
• Data theft or manipulation: The attacker could access, modify, or delete sensitive data stored on the affected system.
• System disruption: The vulnerability could be used to disrupt services or applications running on the affected system, leading to downtime or loss of functionality.

Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a malicious file, so the risk may be mitigated by user awareness and cautious behavior. However, if exploited, the consequences could be severe due to the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could impact compliance with several common standards and regulations, depending on the context in which ColdFusion is used:

• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): If the affected system processes personal data of EU citizens, a successful exploit could lead to unauthorized access or disclosure of this data. This would violate GDPR requirements for data protection and could result in significant fines or legal action.
• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): If ColdFusion is used in a healthcare environment to handle protected health information (PHI), exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access or modification of PHI. This would violate HIPAA's security and privacy rules, potentially resulting in penalties.
• PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard): If the system processes payment card data, a breach resulting from this vulnerability could violate PCI DSS requirements for securing cardholder data, leading to fines or loss of payment processing capabilities.

Organizations subject to these regulations should assess the risk posed by this vulnerability and take appropriate measures to mitigate it, such as applying patches or implementing compensating controls, to maintain compliance.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate CVE-2026-48363, follow these immediate steps:

• Upgrade Adobe ColdFusion to the latest patched version as soon as it becomes available. Adobe typically releases updates to address such vulnerabilities.
• Restrict user access to ColdFusion-related files and directories to minimize the risk of malicious file execution. Ensure only trusted users can interact with the system.
• Educate users about the risks of opening untrusted files, especially those that may trigger ColdFusion processes.
• Monitor system logs for suspicious activity, such as unexpected file executions or unauthorized access attempts.
• Consider implementing application whitelisting or endpoint protection solutions to block the execution of unauthorized or malicious files.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0