Adobe Coldfusion versions 2016 (update 16 and earlier), 2018 (update 10 and earlier), and 2021.0.0.323925 are affected by an Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability. An attacker could abuse this vulnerability to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction.
This vulnerability is classified as medium severity with a CVSS score of 5.4. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability. The implications of an exploit include potential unauthorized access to sensitive data or user sessions, which could lead to further attacks.
The urgency for defenders is highlighted by the fact that exploitation requires user interaction, meaning that social engineering tactics could be employed to trigger the exploit. Given the medium severity score, it is crucial for organizations using affected versions to implement patches as soon as they become available.
As of now, there have been no public exploits confirmed, but the potential for exploitation remains high. Organizations using affected versions should take immediate action to secure their applications.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows for the execution of arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the user, making it critical to address. The published date for this vulnerability is April 15, 2021, and it remains marked as modified.
The CVSS vector for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N, indicating a network attack vector, low complexity, and requiring low privileges with user interaction.
Affected products include Adobe Coldfusion 2016, 2018, and 2021, with specific versions listed in the configurations section.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the improper neutralization of input during web page generation, leading to cross-site scripting (XSS). The attack vector is network-based, and the attack complexity is low, allowing for easier exploitation by attackers.
The exploitation requires low privileges and user interaction, meaning that an attacker may need to convince a user to perform an action, such as clicking a link or loading a malicious page.
The confidentiality and integrity impacts are both rated as low, indicating that while the risks are significant, they may not lead to catastrophic breaches without additional vulnerabilities being present.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to user sessions and sensitive data, which could be exploited further by attackers. The blast radius is significant, particularly for organizations that utilize Coldfusion for web applications.
The urgency assessment based on the CVSS score indicates that organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. With the EPS score at 0.842, indicating a high likelihood of exploitation, immediate action is warranted.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Affected versions include Adobe Coldfusion 2016 (update 16 and earlier), 2018 (update 10 and earlier), and 2021.0.0.323925. Organizations should ensure they are running the latest patched versions to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
Adobe has released patches for the affected versions of Coldfusion. Organizations should upgrade to the latest versions as soon as possible. For those unable to patch immediately, implementation of web application firewalls (WAF) and strict input validation may provide some level of protection while waiting for patches.
Regular security assessments, including penetration testing of web applications can help identify and mitigate such vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual JavaScript execution patterns and user interactions that could indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. Behavioral anomalies in user sessions should also be closely monitored.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its ability to be exploited through social engineering tactics. Security teams should remain vigilant about user education and awareness surrounding the risks of clicking unknown links or loading untrusted content.
This vulnerability represents a common trend in web application security, where user interaction is leveraged to trigger exploits. Organizations should consider implementing robust training programs to minimize risks associated with user actions.
For further insights on securing web applications, organizations may refer to the following resources: web application penetration testing, vulnerability management program, and penetration testing methodology to strengthen overall security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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