Critical Security Flaw in Adobe ColdFusion Added to CISA’s Catalog of Known Exploited Vulnerabilities

August 22, 2023

Image Credit: Other

Critical Security Flaw in Adobe ColdFusion Added to CISA’s Catalog of Known Exploited Vulnerabilities

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has recently identified a critical security flaw in Adobe ColdFusion and added it to their Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. This flaw, cataloged as CVE-2023-26359, refers to a deserialization vulnerability found in Adobe ColdFusion 2018 and ColdFusion 2021. With a high CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability poses a significant risk by enabling arbitrary code execution without the need for user interaction. In this article, we will delve into the details of this flaw, its patch, exploitation concerns, and the urgency of applying necessary security updates.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2023-26359 is a deserialization flaw present in Adobe ColdFusion 2018 and ColdFusion 2021. Deserialization, the process of converting data into a serialized format, can lead to code execution or denial-of-service if performed without proper validation or sanitization. In the case of this particular vulnerability, it allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the current user’s context without requiring any interaction. The severity of the flaw is evident from its high CVSS score, indicating the potential for significant exploitation and damage.

Recognizing the severity of the vulnerability, Adobe promptly addressed this flaw in March 2023 as part of their regular updates. By deploying these updates and implementing recommended security measures, users can effectively protect their systems against potential exploits. Adobe’s timely response and patch release highlight the importance of staying up-to-date with software updates to ensure a secure environment.

Exploitation Details

At this point, it remains unclear how exactly this vulnerability is being exploited in the wild. However, it is essential to note that this is not the first flaw impacting ColdFusion that has been added to CISA’s CVE catalog. Another flaw, identified as CVE-2023-26360, had previously been cataloged, indicating the continued importance of maintaining security measures and vigilant patch management in ColdFusion environments.

Limited Attacks and Urgency of Applying Security Updates

While the exact extent of exploitation is unknown, Adobe has reported “very limited attacks” exploiting the weakness in ColdFusion. This highlights the urgency for all organizations, particularly Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies, to apply the necessary patches by September 11, 2023, in order to safeguard their networks from potential attacks. The significance of active exploitation serves as a reminder of the criticality of promptly implementing security updates and measures.

The inclusion of a critical security flaw in Adobe ColdFusion in CISA’s CVE catalog emphasizes the importance of proactively addressing vulnerabilities. CVE-2023-26359 poses a high risk due to its potential for arbitrary code execution without user interaction. Adobe acted swiftly to patch the flaw, but it is crucial for users and organizations to keep their systems updated and implement recommended security measures to ensure protection. The limited attacks reported by Adobe further underscore the necessity of applying security updates promptly, as the exploitation of vulnerabilities can have severe consequences. By remaining vigilant, applying patches, and prioritizing cybersecurity, users can fortify their systems against potential threats to their Adobe ColdFusion environments.

Explore more

Is Understaffing Killing the U.S. Customer Experience?

February 25, 2026

The Growing Divide Between Brand Promises and Operational Reality A walk through a modern American retail store or a call to a service center often reveals a jarring dissonance between the glossy advertisements on a smartphone screen and the reality of waiting for assistance that never arrives. The modern American marketplace is currently grappling with a profound operational paradox: while

How Does Leadership Impact Employee Engagement and Growth?

February 25, 2026

The traditional reliance on superficial office perks has officially dissolved, replaced by a sophisticated understanding that leadership behavior serves as the foundational bedrock of institutional value and long-term employee retention. Modern organizations are witnessing a fundamental shift where employee engagement has transitioned from a peripheral human resources concern to a core driver of competitive advantage. In the current market, success

Trend Analysis: Employee Engagement Strategies

February 25, 2026

The silent erosion of corporate value is no longer a localized issue but a systemic failure that drains trillions of dollars from the global economy every single year. While boardroom discussions increasingly center on the human element of business, a profound paradox has emerged where leadership’s obsession with “engagement” is met with an equally profound sense of detachment from the

How to Master Digital Marketing Materials for 2026?

February 25, 2026

The convergence of advanced consumer analytics and high-fidelity creative execution has transformed digital marketing materials into the most critical infrastructure for global commerce. As worldwide e-commerce spending approaches the half-trillion-dollar threshold this year, the ability to produce high-performing digital assets has become the primary differentiator between market leaders and those struggling for relevance. This analysis explores the current landscape of

Optimizing Email Marketing Timing and Strategy for 2026

February 25, 2026

The difference between a record-breaking sales quarter and a stagnant marketing budget often comes down to a window of time shorter than the duration of a morning coffee break. In the current digital landscape, where the average consumer receives hundreds of notifications daily, an email that arrives just thirty minutes too early or too late is frequently relegated to the