Deserialization RCE in Adobe ColdFusion

Successful exploitation can result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the ColdFusion service, enabling full compromise of the affected application server. An attacker may use this access to deploy webshells, execute system commands, establish persistence, disable security controls, steal credentials, access application data, and pivot further into the victim environment. Because the issue is remotely exploitable without user interaction, exposed vulnerable servers are at high risk of complete takeover.

If immediate patching is not possible, reduce exposure by restricting public access to ColdFusion services and administrative interfaces, especially CFIDE and other management endpoints, through network ACLs, VPN-only access, reverse proxy filtering, or IP allowlisting. Monitor for suspicious requests targeting ColdFusion endpoints and investigate for post-exploitation artifacts such as webshell deployment, abnormal child processes from the web server or ColdFusion service, and unexpected outbound connections. Restoring a vulnerable server to production before full remediation and threat hunting is completed increases the likelihood of re-compromise.

Apply Adobe's security updates that remediate CVE-2023-29300. Upgrade Adobe ColdFusion 2018 to Update 17 or later, Adobe ColdFusion 2021 to Update 7 or later, and Adobe ColdFusion 2023 to Update 1 or later. Validate that all ColdFusion instances, including standby, clustered, and internet-facing systems, have been updated and restarted as required by vendor guidance. After patching, review systems for signs of prior compromise because this vulnerability has been referenced in exploitation activity.