CVE-2026-48363 Overview
CVE-2026-48363 is an Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability [CWE-427] affecting Adobe ColdFusion versions 2025.9, 2023.20, and earlier. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. The flaw requires local access with low privileges and user interaction, as the victim must open a malicious file. The scope is changed, meaning exploitation impacts resources beyond the vulnerable component.
Adobe published a security advisory addressing this issue. Administrators running affected ColdFusion deployments should prioritize patching to prevent code execution scenarios that could lead to broader compromise.
Critical Impact
Arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user, with scope change enabling impact on resources beyond the vulnerable ColdFusion component.
Affected Products
- Adobe ColdFusion 2025 (through Update 9)
- Adobe ColdFusion 2023 (through Update 20)
- Earlier unsupported ColdFusion releases
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-13 - CVE-2026-48363 published to NVD
- 2026-07-15 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-48363
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-48363 stems from an Uncontrolled Search Path Element weakness within Adobe ColdFusion. The application resolves external resources — such as libraries, executables, or configuration files — without adequately restricting the search path. An attacker who can influence the contents of a directory referenced during resolution can plant a malicious file that ColdFusion loads at runtime.
Exploitation results in arbitrary code execution under the identity of the user who launched the vulnerable process. Because the CVSS scope is changed, the executed code can affect components outside the ColdFusion trust boundary, expanding the blast radius of a successful attack.
Adobe classifies the issue as high severity due to full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability once triggered. The requirement for user interaction and local access reduces mass-exploitation risk but does not eliminate targeted attack scenarios, especially in shared engineering or administrative environments.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper control of the search path used to locate external dependencies at runtime, categorized under [CWE-427]. ColdFusion trusts path elements that an attacker or low-privileged user can manipulate, enabling substitution of legitimate binaries or libraries with attacker-controlled files.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local. An attacker must convince a user to open a malicious file placed in a directory that ColdFusion searches during dependency resolution. When the affected process resolves the crafted resource, it executes attacker-supplied code with the privileges of the current user. Common patterns for [CWE-427] include DLL search-order hijacking on Windows and shared object planting on Linux hosts running ColdFusion.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is available at the time of publication, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-48363
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected DLL, shared object, or executable files appearing in directories referenced by the ColdFusion process working path
- ColdFusion child processes spawning unusual binaries such as command shells, scripting hosts, or LOLBins
- File modifications in ColdFusion installation or user profile directories immediately following the opening of an unfamiliar document or archive
Detection Strategies
- Monitor ColdFusion server and administrator workstation processes for module loads from writable, non-standard directories
- Alert on process creation chains where coldfusion.exe or jrun.exe spawns interpreters like cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or /bin/sh
- Correlate file-open events with subsequent library loads to identify suspicious search-path resolution behavior
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable image-load and module-load telemetry on hosts running ColdFusion to capture search-path resolution events
- Track user-initiated file open operations followed by process spawns originating from ColdFusion binaries
- Ingest ColdFusion application logs and endpoint telemetry into a centralized data lake for cross-source correlation
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-48363
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the security updates referenced in the Adobe ColdFusion Security Advisory APSB26-68 to all affected 2025 and 2023 installations
- Inventory all ColdFusion hosts and identify installations still running 2025.9, 2023.20, or earlier versions
- Restrict write permissions on directories included in the ColdFusion process search path to trusted administrators only
- Educate administrators and developers to avoid opening untrusted files on ColdFusion servers
Patch Information
Adobe released fixed builds addressing CVE-2026-48363. Refer to the Adobe ColdFusion Security Advisory APSB26-68 for exact patched version numbers and installation guidance. Apply patches through standard ColdFusion update workflows and verify the updated build number after deployment.
Workarounds
- Remove any user-writable directories from ColdFusion service and user PATH variables
- Run ColdFusion under a dedicated low-privilege service account to limit the impact of code execution
- Enforce application allow-listing to prevent unsigned or unexpected binaries from loading into ColdFusion processes
- Isolate ColdFusion administrative workstations from general-purpose user activity to reduce opportunities for malicious file interaction
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
