CVE-2024-41874 - Critical ColdFusion Deserialization Vulnerability – Full Breakdown, Exploit Details, and Remediation Guide
A serious vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-41874 is putting organizations running Adobe ColdFusion 2023.9, 2021.15, and earlier versions at high risk. This security flaw allows attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution by abusing how affected ColdFusion systems deserialize untrusted data. Exploitation is simple, reliable, and requires no interaction from users—making it especially dangerous.
This article provides an exclusive, step-by-step breakdown of the vulnerability, including PoC code, real-world exploit considerations, remediation steps, and references to original advisories. It’s intended for security professionals, ColdFusion admins, and curious developers looking for a clear, practical explanation.
What Is CVE-2024-41874?
Adobe ColdFusion uses serialization to save and transmit complex objects. If an application inadvertently deserializes data from an untrusted user, an attacker can supply crafted data that, when deserialized, executes malicious code.
Technical Breakdown: How the Attack Works
Deserialization flaws in Java-based apps (including ColdFusion) have a long history. They occur when the system blindly unserializes objects, trusting that the data is safe. If an attacker provides serialized Java objects containing malicious gadget chains, ColdFusion’s application will read and execute attacker-controlled data.
Where’s the Vulnerability?
- ColdFusion Components and API endpoints that accept serialized data (for example via HTTP request bodies, parameters, or uploaded files)
- No authentication requirements: Vulnerable endpoints don’t demand login, making exploitation easier.
Exploitation Example: Proof-of-Concept
Warning:
This code is for educational and defensive purposes only. Do not use in unauthorized environments.
Suppose we have an endpoint like /cfusion/deserExample.cfm that takes serialized Java input
<!--- Sample ColdFusion code (vulnerable) --->
<cfset serializedData = GetHttpRequestData().content>
<cfset obj = DeserializeJava(serializedData)>
<cfoutput>#obj#</cfoutput>
An attacker could use a tool like ysoserial to create a serialized payload that pops a reverse shell, reads files, or runs arbitrary commands.
On the attacker’s machine
# Example: Use ysoserial to generate a payload that runs 'calc.exe' on Windows
java -jar ysoserial.jar CommonsCollections6 'calc.exe' > payload.ser
Now, the attacker submits payload.ser as the HTTP POST body to the vulnerable endpoint
curl -X POST --data-binary @payload.ser http://target-server/cfusion/deserExample.cfm
Result: The vulnerable ColdFusion server runs calc.exe (or any command the attacker chooses) under the privileges of the ColdFusion service.
Real-World Attack Flow
1. Scan for vulnerable endpoints exposed to the internet (commonly: /cfusion/, /api/, /rest/, or custom endpoints).
Deliver payload with a POST or other request method expected by the vulnerable endpoint.
4. Gain code execution as soon as deserialization happens, giving a remote shell, malware delivery, or data theft.
Adobe Security Bulletin:
APSB24-XX: Security updates available for Adobe ColdFusion *(Replace XX with the actual updated number as per Adobe)*
National Vulnerability Database (NVD):
Community Analysis:
ysoserial Tool:
https://github.com/frohoff/ysoserial
Patch Immediately:
Upgrade to Adobe ColdFusion 2023 Update 10 / 2021 Update 16 or later. See the official download page.
Restrict Deserialization:
Audit all code and endpoints for use of DeserializeJava or similar functions. Don’t accept serialized input from untrusted sources.
Monitor Logs:
Watch for suspicious POST requests with binary payloads, or unusual ColdFusion errors related to deserialization.
Conclusion
CVE-2024-41874 is a critical flaw that can grant attackers complete control over unpatched ColdFusion servers, with zero user interaction. Given the ease of exploitation and availability of public tools, all organizations running ColdFusion are strongly urged to patch immediately, audit custom code for risky deserialization, and lock down management interfaces.
Staying ahead of these attacks requires speedy patch management and strong coding practices. Don’t leave the door open for remote attackers—secure your ColdFusion servers now.
Stay safe, and keep up with the latest advisories!
For more ColdFusion security coverage, follow Adobe Security Bulletins and consider joining the OWASP community for resources on secure software development.
*Written exclusively for this post. Redistribution is permitted with attribution.*
Timeline
Published on: 09/13/2024 10:15:12 UTC
Last modified on: 09/16/2024 12:56:15 UTC