CVE-2026-47929: ColdFusion Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2026-47929 Overview

CVE-2026-47929 is an Incorrect Authorization vulnerability [CWE-863] affecting Adobe ColdFusion versions 2023.19, 2025.8, and earlier. The flaw allows a high-privileged attacker on an adjacent network to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. Exploitation does not require user interaction, and the vulnerability results in a scope change, meaning the impact extends beyond the vulnerable component itself.

Adobe published the security advisory tracking this issue as APSB26-64. The vulnerability carries confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts rated High.

Critical Impact
Successful exploitation enables arbitrary code execution and elevated control over the victim's account or session, with cross-scope consequences on adjacent systems.

Affected Products

Adobe ColdFusion 2023, up to and including version 2023.19
Adobe ColdFusion 2025, up to and including version 2025.8
Earlier supported releases of Adobe ColdFusion

Discovery Timeline

2026-06-09 - CVE-2026-47929 published to NVD
2026-06-10 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-47929

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-863], Incorrect Authorization. ColdFusion fails to properly enforce authorization checks for certain privileged operations. An authenticated attacker holding high-level privileges can leverage this gap to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user.

The attack vector is Adjacent Network, meaning the attacker must reside on the same logical or physical network segment as the target ColdFusion instance. Exploitation does not require user interaction. The scope is changed, which indicates that a successful exploit affects resources beyond the security boundary of the vulnerable ColdFusion process.

Because the vulnerability allows arbitrary code execution, an attacker can pivot from administrative ColdFusion access to broader compromise of the underlying host or connected services. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is rated High.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing or incorrect authorization logic on privileged ColdFusion functionality. The application trusts an authenticated principal without re-validating that the principal is permitted to perform the requested action. Refer to the Adobe ColdFusion Security Advisory for vendor technical detail.

Attack Vector

An attacker first obtains high-privilege credentials on the ColdFusion server, typically through credential theft, insider access, or chained exploitation. The attacker then submits crafted requests from an adjacent network position to invoke functionality that should be subject to stricter authorization. ColdFusion processes the request without correctly enforcing the access control policy, resulting in code execution under the current user context.

No verified proof-of-concept code is publicly available for this vulnerability. See the vendor advisory for additional technical context.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-47929

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected child processes spawned by the ColdFusion application server (coldfusion.exe, jrun.exe, java.exe)
Administrative actions performed by high-privileged ColdFusion accounts from unusual internal IP addresses
New or modified CFM/CFC files in web root directories outside normal deployment windows
Outbound network connections originating from the ColdFusion process to non-standard destinations

Detection Strategies

Audit ColdFusion administrator and CFIDE access logs for privileged operations invoked from adjacent hosts
Correlate authentication events with subsequent process creation on the ColdFusion server
Monitor for anomalous use of ColdFusion scheduled tasks, datasource changes, and administrator API calls

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward ColdFusion application, access, and Windows or Linux audit logs to a centralized SIEM
Alert on process lineage where the ColdFusion service account spawns shells, scripting engines, or LOLBins
Track file integrity on ColdFusion install directories, wwwroot, and CFIDE paths

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-47929

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the Adobe security update referenced in APSB26-64 to all ColdFusion 2023 and 2025 instances
Inventory ColdFusion deployments and confirm version is later than 2023.19 or 2025.8 post-patch
Rotate credentials for all high-privileged ColdFusion administrator accounts

Patch Information

Adobe addressed CVE-2026-47929 in the security update published as APSB26-64. Administrators must upgrade beyond ColdFusion 2023.19 and 2025.8 to remediate the flaw. Consult the Adobe ColdFusion Security Advisory for exact fixed build numbers and installation guidance.

Workarounds

Restrict network access to ColdFusion administrative interfaces using network segmentation and host firewalls
Limit the number of accounts holding high ColdFusion privileges and enforce strong authentication
Place ColdFusion administrator endpoints behind a VPN or jump host to remove adjacent-network exposure

bash

# Example: restrict ColdFusion admin interface to a management subnet via iptables
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8500 -s 10.10.50.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8500 -j DROP