CVE-2025-43559: Critical Input Validation Vulnerability in Adobe ColdFusion

Overview

Adobe has disclosed a critical vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-43559 affecting multiple versions of its ColdFusion platform. This vulnerability is related to Improper Input Validation (CWE-20) and impacts ColdFusion versions 2025.1, 2023.13, 2021.19 and earlier. The flaw allows for arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user, with no user interaction required.

Technical Details

The vulnerability results from improper validation of input within ColdFusion, which can be exploited by a high-privileged attacker to execute arbitrary code. This code runs in the context of the current user, potentially bypassing security mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20, a common issue where input received by an application is not properly validated, leading to serious consequences.

The issue requires no user interaction and is accessible remotely over a network, making it a significant threat in exposed environments.

CVSS Details

The vulnerability has been rated as CRITICAL with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.1. The vector string is:

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N

This score reflects the following key attributes:

• Attack Vector: Network
• Attack Complexity: Low
• Privileges Required: None
• User Interaction: None
• Scope: Unchanged
• Confidentiality and Integrity Impact: High
• Availability Impact: None

Affected Software

• Vendor: Adobe
• Product: ColdFusion
• Versions Affected: 2021.19 and earlier

Mitigation and Recommendations

Adobe has released patches addressing this issue. Users and administrators should:

• Update to the latest version of ColdFusion as recommended in Adobe’s official advisory.
• Review application logic for input validation and sanitization.
• Minimize attack surface by restricting network access to ColdFusion servers.

Conclusion

CVE-2025-43559 underscores the importance of rigorous input validation in web application platforms. Arbitrary code execution vulnerabilities, especially those exploitable remotely without user interaction, pose a major threat to enterprise security. Prompt patching and adherence to secure coding practices are essential to mitigate such risks.