CVE-2025-30281

Vulnerability: Improper Access Control in Adobe ColdFusion

  • Description: ColdFusion versions 2023.12, 2021.18, 2025.0 and earlier are affected by an Improper Access Control vulnerability. This allows an attacker to read arbitrary files from the file system.
  • Severity: Critical (CVSS Score: 9.1)
  • Known Exploit: An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive data without proper authorization. No user interaction is required for exploitation.

Remediation / Mitigation Strategy

  1. Immediate Patching:

    • Action: Apply the security patch released by Adobe for CVE-2025-30281 immediately.
    • Rationale: Patching is the most effective way to eliminate the vulnerability.
    • Timeline: Within 24-48 hours of patch release.

  2. Workaround (If Patching is Delayed):

    • Action: If immediate patching is not possible, implement a temporary workaround to restrict access to sensitive files.
    • Rationale: Reducing the attack surface until the patch can be applied.
    • Implementation:
      • Restrict access to sensitive files and directories using file system permissions. Only allow necessary users/processes to access these resources.
      • Implement web server access controls (e.g., using .htaccess files in Apache, or access control lists in IIS) to restrict access to sensitive ColdFusion directories.
    • Timeline: Implement within 24 hours if patching is not immediately feasible.

  3. Web Application Firewall (WAF) Rules:

    • Action: Deploy or update Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block exploit attempts targeting CVE-2025-30281.
    • Rationale: A WAF can provide an additional layer of protection by identifying and blocking malicious requests.
    • Implementation:
      • Research and implement custom WAF rules that specifically target known exploitation patterns for this vulnerability.
      • Regularly update the WAF rule set to stay ahead of evolving attack techniques.
    • Timeline: Deploy/update WAF rules within 24-48 hours.

  4. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS):

    • Action: Configure IDS/IPS systems to monitor for and block exploitation attempts.
    • Rationale: IDS/IPS can detect malicious activity and prevent successful exploitation.
    • Implementation: Ensure that IDS/IPS systems are configured to detect and block any attempts to access unauthorized files.
    • Timeline: Review and update IDS/IPS rules within 24-48 hours.

  5. Principle of Least Privilege:

    • Action: Review and enforce the principle of least privilege for all user accounts and applications.
    • Rationale: Limiting access rights reduces the potential impact of a successful exploit.
    • Implementation: Regularly audit and adjust user permissions to ensure they only have the access necessary to perform their required tasks.
    • Timeline: Ongoing.

  6. Monitoring and Logging:

    • Action: Enhance monitoring and logging of ColdFusion server activity, particularly access to sensitive files.
    • Rationale: Early detection of exploitation attempts.
    • Implementation: Enable detailed logging of file access attempts, and set up alerts for suspicious activity.
    • Timeline: Immediately enable/enhance logging.

  7. Vulnerability Scanning:

    • Action: Conduct regular vulnerability scans using a reputable scanning tool to identify and remediate other potential vulnerabilities.
    • Rationale: Proactive identification of weaknesses.
    • Timeline: Schedule regular scans (e.g., weekly or monthly).

  8. Upgrade to Supported Versions:

    • Action: If using unsupported versions of ColdFusion, plan and execute an upgrade to a supported version that receives security updates.
    • Rationale: Unsupported versions do not receive security patches, leaving them vulnerable.
    • Timeline: Plan and initiate the upgrade process as soon as possible.

  9. Incident Response Plan:

    • Action: Review and update the incident response plan to include procedures for handling exploitation of this vulnerability.
    • Rationale: Ensuring a coordinated and effective response in the event of a successful attack.
    • Timeline: Review and update within one week.

  10. Verification:

    • Action: After implementing any remediation or mitigation steps, verify their effectiveness by attempting to exploit the vulnerability in a controlled environment.
    • Rationale: Confirming that the implemented measures are successful.
    • Timeline: Immediately after implementation of mitigation steps.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-04-08 20:15:26
  • Updated Date: 2025-04-08 20:15:26

More Details

CVE-2025-30281