A path traversal vulnerability in Adobe ColdFusion 2025 and 2023 allows authenticated attackers to access sensitive files outside of the intended directory, posing a critical security risk.

This vulnerability is a path traversal flaw (CWE-22) in Adobe ColdFusion that allows an attacker with low-level privileges to perform arbitrary file system reads. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system due to the scope change.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can result in the exposure of sensitive configuration files, credentials, or proprietary data stored on the server. With a CVSS score of 9.9, this vulnerability presents a severe risk that could lead to complete system compromise and significant reputational damage.

Immediate Action: Update Adobe ColdFusion 2025 to version 11 or later, and Adobe ColdFusion 2023 to version 22 or later.

Proactive Monitoring: Review web server and application access logs for unusual directory traversal patterns or unauthorized requests targeting system files.

Compensating Controls: Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules configured to detect and block path traversal sequences, such as dot-dot-slash patterns.

Public Exploit Available: Unknown

Given the critical CVSS severity rating, administrators should prioritize patching their ColdFusion environments immediately. Ensuring that only authorized users have access to the application interface will further reduce the likelihood of exploitation while the update process is completed.