CVE-2025-61813

8.2

Adobe · ColdFusion

Adobe ColdFusion is susceptible to an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability, allowing unauthenticated attackers to perform arbitrary file system reads via specially crafted XML input.

Executive summary

Adobe ColdFusion is impacted by a critical XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability that permits unauthorized file system access, presenting a significant risk to data confidentiality.

Vulnerability

This vulnerability is an improper restriction of XML External Entity references (CWE-611). It allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker to read sensitive files from the server's file system by injecting malicious XML entities into processed input, though successful exploitation requires user interaction.

Business impact

The ability to read arbitrary files from the underlying server poses a severe threat to business operations, as it may result in the exposure of configuration files, credentials, or sensitive proprietary data. With a CVSS score of 8.2, this vulnerability is classified as High, reflecting the significant potential for data exfiltration and the compromise of environment security.

Remediation

Immediate Action: Update Adobe ColdFusion instances to the versions specified in the official Adobe security bulletin APSB25-105 to remediate the vulnerability.

Proactive Monitoring: Monitor server access logs for unusual XML-based requests or attempts to access system files, such as etc/passwd or web configuration files.

Compensating Controls: Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules configured to inspect and block malicious XML payloads and external entity references.

Exploitation status

Public Exploit Available: No confirmed public exploit available.

Analyst recommendation

Given the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive server files, organizations should prioritize patching their ColdFusion environments immediately. Administrators must consult the vendor advisory at the provided reference link to ensure all instances are updated to the secure versions, thereby closing the XXE attack vector.

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