A Vulnerability in Adobe ColdFusion Could Allow for Arbitrary Code Execution (APSB19-14)
MS-ISAC ADVISORY NUMBER:
2019-025
DATE(S) ISSUED:
03/01/2019
OVERVIEW:
A vulnerability has been discovered in Adobe ColdFusion which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Adobe ColdFusion is a web application development platform. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in an attacker executing arbitrary code in the context of the affected application. Depending on the privileges associated with this application, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. If this application has been configured to have fewer user rights on the system, exploitation of this vulnerability could have less impact than if it was configured with administrative rights.
THREAT INTELLIGENCE:
Adobe is aware of a report that the vulnerability has been exploited in the wild.
SYSTEMS AFFECTED:
- ColdFusion 2018 (Update 2 and earlier versions)
- ColdFusion 2016 (Update 9 and earlier versions)
- ColdFusion 11 (Update 17 and earlier versions)
RISK:
Government:
- Large and medium government entities: HIGH
- Small government entities: HIGH
Businesses:
- Large and medium business entities: HIGH
- Small business entities: HIGH
Home Users:
LOW
TECHNICAL SUMMARY:
A vulnerability has been discovered in Adobe ColdFusion which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Detail of the vulnerability is included below:
- A file upload restriction bypass vulnerability that could allow to arbitrary code execution (CVE-2019-7816).
Note: This attack requires the ability to upload executable code to a web-accessible directory, and then execute that code via an HTTP request. Restricting requests to directories where uploaded files are stored will mitigate this attack.
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in an attacker executing arbitrary code in the context of the affected application. Depending on the privileges associated with this application, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. If this application has been configured to have fewer user rights on the system, exploitation of this vulnerability could have less impact than if it was configured with administrative rights.
RECOMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:
- Install the updates provided by Adobe immediately after appropriate testing.
- Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack.
- Remind users not to visit websites or follow links provided by unknown or untrusted sources.
- Inform and educate users regarding the threats posed by hypertext links contained in emails or attachments especially from un-trusted sources.
- Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to all systems and services.