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Critical Vulnerability Alert: CVE-2023-26360 in Adobe ColdFusion Enables Arbitrary Code Execution

CVE Image for report on CVE-2023-26360

Executive Summary

CVE-2023-26360 is a critical vulnerability affecting Adobe ColdFusion versions 2018 Update 15 (and earlier) and 2021 Update 5 (and earlier). This vulnerability, categorized as an Improper Access Control issue, allows for arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. With a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8, it is considered highly severe. The vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild, posing a significant risk to organizations using the affected software.

Technical Information

CVE-2023-26360 is an Improper Access Control vulnerability in Adobe ColdFusion, specifically impacting versions 2018 Update 15 (and earlier) and 2021 Update 5 (and earlier). This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code without requiring user interaction. The CVSS v3.1 score of 9.8 reflects its critical nature, with the vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H indicating that it is network exploitable, requires low attack complexity, and does not require privileges or user interaction.

The vulnerability arises from improper access control mechanisms within the ColdFusion application, which can be exploited to gain unauthorized access and execute arbitrary code. This can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and further lateral movement within the network.

Adobe ColdFusion 2018 (Update 15 and earlier) and Adobe ColdFusion 2021 (Update 5 and earlier) are the affected software versions. The vulnerability has been documented in the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) under the entry NVD - CVE-2023-26360 and detailed in the Adobe Security Bulletin APSB23-25.

Exploitation in the Wild

CVE-2023-26360 has been actively exploited in the wild, as reported by multiple sources including CISA and Adobe. Threat actors have leveraged this vulnerability to perform unauthorized remote code execution (RCE) on vulnerable systems. The exploitation process typically involves process enumeration to identify running processes on the web server and performing network connectivity checks.

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) include unusual files or scripts in the ColdFusion directory, unexpected outbound connections from the ColdFusion server, and unknown or suspicious processes running under the ColdFusion service account. Detailed exploitation techniques and proof-of-concept (PoC) exploits are available on platforms such as GitHub, including repositories like jakabakos/CVE-2023-26360-adobe-coldfusion-rce-exploit and yosef0x01/CVE-2023-26360.

APT Groups using this vulnerability

While specific Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups exploiting CVE-2023-26360 have not been publicly identified, the techniques used align with those commonly employed by groups targeting web servers and enterprise applications. These groups often focus on sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, and operate in regions including North America, Europe, and Asia.

Affected Product Versions

The affected product versions are: Adobe ColdFusion 2018 (Update 15 and earlier) Adobe ColdFusion 2021 (Update 5 and earlier)

Organizations using these versions are at high risk and should prioritize patching and mitigation efforts.

Workaround and Mitigation

To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-26360, organizations should implement the following strategies:

Patch Management: Apply the latest updates provided by Adobe for ColdFusion. Detailed patching instructions can be found in the Adobe Security Bulletin APSB23-25.

Network Segmentation: Isolate the ColdFusion server from critical network segments to limit the potential impact of exploitation.

Monitoring and Detection: Implement monitoring for unusual activity on ColdFusion servers, including process creation, file changes, and network connections.

Additionally, organizations should review and enhance their access control policies, ensuring that only authorized users have access to critical systems and data.

References

Rescana is here for you

At Rescana, we understand the critical importance of protecting your organization from emerging threats like CVE-2023-26360. Our Continuous Threat and Exposure Management (CTEM) platform is designed to help you identify, assess, and mitigate vulnerabilities in real-time. We are committed to providing you with the tools and expertise needed to safeguard your digital assets.

For further assistance or inquiries about this report or any other cybersecurity issue, please contact our team at ops@rescana.com. We are here to help you navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity threats and ensure the resilience of your organization.

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