CVE-2026-75746 Overview
Adobe ColdFusion contains a SQL injection vulnerability [CWE-89] that allows authenticated attackers with high privileges to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands. Exploitation requires no user interaction and can be triggered over the network. The vulnerability carries a changed scope, meaning successful exploitation impacts resources beyond the vulnerable component. Adobe published details in security advisory APSB26-119.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can inject SQL commands that escalate into arbitrary code execution, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ColdFusion application data and the underlying host process.
Affected Products
- Adobe ColdFusion (versions listed in advisory APSB26-119)
- ColdFusion server instances exposing database-backed application endpoints
- Deployments where privileged administrative or application accounts are reachable over the network
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-08 - CVE-2026-75746 published to NVD
- 2026-09-09 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-75746
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a SQL injection issue in Adobe ColdFusion classified under [CWE-89]. ColdFusion fails to properly sanitize special characters passed into SQL statements. An attacker with high-privilege access can craft input that alters SQL query semantics. Because the scope is changed, exploitation crosses the trust boundary of the SQL execution context and reaches code execution within the current user's process context.
The combination of SQL injection and arbitrary code execution indicates that injected SQL payloads reach a code path capable of invoking system-level operations. This behavior is consistent with ColdFusion features that interpret query results or use dynamic SQL constructs during request handling.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of user-supplied special characters used within SQL commands. Input reaches SQL statement construction without adequate parameterization or escaping. This allows attackers to modify query structure and, through downstream processing, trigger arbitrary code execution on the server.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based with low attack complexity. Exploitation requires high privileges but no user interaction. An attacker authenticated to a ColdFusion component that accepts input flowing into SQL statements can submit crafted payloads. Successful injection changes scope and results in code execution in the context of the ColdFusion service account.
No public proof-of-concept is currently listed for this CVE. Refer to the Adobe ColdFusion Security Advisory for vendor-supplied technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-75746
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected outbound network connections or child processes spawned by the ColdFusion service (coldfusion.exe, jrun.exe, or the JVM host process)
- Anomalous SQL statements in database audit logs containing stacked queries, UNION SELECT, or comment sequences originating from ColdFusion service accounts
- New or modified files under ColdFusion web roots such as .cfm or .jsp files written outside normal deployment windows
Detection Strategies
- Enable and review database engine auditing for query patterns that indicate injection attempts against ColdFusion-connected schemas
- Correlate authenticated ColdFusion administrator sessions with subsequent database anomalies or process launches
- Monitor ColdFusion application and server logs for stack traces referencing SQL parser errors or unexpected cfquery execution failures
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on process creation events where the ColdFusion JVM spawns interpreters such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, /bin/sh, or bash
- Track privileged authentication events to the ColdFusion Administrator console from unusual source addresses
- Baseline SQL query volume and shape per application endpoint and alert on statistical deviations
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-75746
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the security update referenced in Adobe advisory APSB26-119 to all ColdFusion installations
- Restrict network access to the ColdFusion Administrator and privileged application endpoints using firewall rules or allowlists
- Rotate credentials for high-privilege ColdFusion accounts that may have been exposed prior to patching
- Review database and web server logs for signs of prior exploitation attempts
Patch Information
Adobe released fixes as part of security bulletin APSB26-119. Administrators should consult the Adobe ColdFusion Security Advisory to identify affected versions and the corresponding update packages. Apply the vendor-provided update to the ColdFusion server and restart the service to complete remediation.
Workarounds
- Enforce least privilege on ColdFusion database accounts to limit the impact of successful SQL injection
- Disable or restrict access to unused ColdFusion administrative and RDS features
- Place the ColdFusion Administrator behind a VPN or reverse proxy that requires multi-factor authentication
- Deploy a web application firewall with rules that detect SQL injection patterns against ColdFusion endpoints
# Example: restrict access to the ColdFusion Administrator via host firewall
# Allow only management subnet, block all other sources
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8500 -s 10.0.10.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8500 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.