Overview
Adobe has disclosed CVE-2025-43564, a critical vulnerability in its ColdFusion product line. This issue, identified as Incorrect Authorization and categorized under CWE-863, allows attackers to read or manipulate sensitive files on the server without proper authorization. The flaw affects ColdFusion versions 2025.1, 2023.13, 2021.19 and earlier.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability results from improper enforcement of access controls within ColdFusion. A high-privileged attacker can exploit this weakness remotely, over the network, to access or modify sensitive file system data, potentially compromising application integrity and confidentiality.
- Product: Adobe ColdFusion
- Versions Affected: Up to and including 2025.1, 2023.13, 2021.19
The issue does not require user interaction and can be exploited by attackers with elevated privileges. Since the vulnerability changes the scope of impact, it may affect system components beyond the initially targeted ColdFusion instance.
Technical Analysis
According to Adobe and the CVSS v3.1 framework, this vulnerability carries a base score of 9.1, placing it in the Critical severity range. The vector string is:
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
Key characteristics include:
- Attack Vector: Network
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Privileges Required: High
- User Interaction: None
- Scope: Changed
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: High
- Availability Impact: High
This means that a remote attacker with high-level access can exploit the vulnerability easily and potentially gain access to sensitive system files or configurations, which may result in significant data breaches or service disruption.
Understanding CWE-863
CWE-863: Incorrect Authorization occurs when a system fails to correctly enforce permissions on a resource. In this case, ColdFusion’s authorization logic permits access to restricted areas of the file system. This type of flaw is particularly dangerous in cloud and enterprise deployments where sensitive configuration files may be exposed.
Impact and Recommendations
Successful exploitation may allow attackers to:
- Read or modify restricted files
- Access credentials or configuration data
- Cause system instability or privilege escalation
To mitigate this issue, Adobe advises:
- Upgrading to the latest version of ColdFusion
- Limiting access to ColdFusion admin interfaces
- Monitoring file access logs for unusual activity
- Enforcing strict file system permissions
Conclusion
CVE-2025-43564 highlights the importance of strict authorization mechanisms in enterprise software. Even in the absence of user interaction, improperly controlled access paths can lead to devastating breaches. Organizations should act swiftly to apply security updates and review system configurations for potential exposure.
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