In this long-read post, we will dive into an Improper Access Control vulnerability in ColdFusion versions 2023.12, 2021.18, 2025., and earlier. This vulnerability (CVE-2025-30288) allows a low-privileged attacker with local access to bypass security features and execute code. It is important to note that exploiting this issue requires user interaction, as a victim must be coerced into performing actions within the vulnerable application.

Details

The root cause of this vulnerability is improper implementation of access control mechanisms in ColdFusion. This allows an attacker to bypass the security restrictions and execute code with elevated privileges. Here is a code snippet that demonstrates the improper implementation:

<cfscript>
// ...
if (user.hasRole("admin")) {
   processAdminAction();
} else {
   user.performAction();
}
// ...
</cfscript>

In this example, a user can manipulate the input to performAction() to call processAdminAction() even without the "admin" role. This results in the attacker being able to carry out actions reserved for higher-privileged users.

Exploitation requires user interaction, meaning that the attacker needs to lure the victim into performing actions within the vulnerable application. One possible exploit scenario could be through a phishing campaign, directing the victim to a malicious URL crafted to exploit this vulnerability.

Impact

An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, alteration, or even full system compromise.

Mitigations and Recommendations

Adobe, the company responsible for ColdFusion, has released a patch addressing this issue, which can be found in the official security bulletin here. It is highly recommended to update your ColdFusion installations to the latest version as soon as possible.

Regularly review and audit user roles and access permissions.

3. Implement a robust security awareness training program for employees to help prevent phishing attacks and encourage the reporting of suspicious activity.

Conclusion

CVE-2025-30288 is a serious vulnerability affecting multiple ColdFusion versions, allowing an attacker to bypass security features and execute code. While exploitation requires user interaction, it is crucial to update your ColdFusion installations and apply the necessary patches to prevent potential system compromises. Additionally, educating employees on cybersecurity best practices can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to such attacks.

Timeline

Published on: 04/08/2025 20:15:26 UTC
Last modified on: 04/21/2025 18:33:41 UTC