CVE-2026-48282: Adobe ColdFusion Path Traversal Vulnerability

Adobe ColdFusion contains a path traversal vulnerability that could allow an attacker to access files and execute code in the context of the current user. This matters because ColdFusion often runs web applications that handle sensitive data and business logic, and successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access without requiring elevated privileges.

How it works

The weakness is classified as CWE-22, a path traversal flaw. An attacker supplies crafted input containing directory traversal sequences to cause the application to access files or resources outside the intended directory scope. In this product class the result can be reading or writing files that enable arbitrary code execution under the permissions of the ColdFusion process.

Am I affected? How to find it in your systems

• Inventory all Adobe ColdFusion installations on web servers, application servers, and any cloud or container deployments that expose the service to network traffic.
• Review configuration files and installed components to identify instances that accept untrusted input for file operations or template processing.
• Confirm exact affected versions and configurations against the vendor advisory, as public detail is limited.
• Examine web server and application logs for anomalous requests containing path traversal sequences such as repeated “..” patterns or encoded equivalents.

How to remediate

Apply the vendor update named in the advisory as the primary remediation. After patching, review and restrict file-system permissions for the ColdFusion service account, disable unnecessary features that process external paths, and enforce input validation on any custom code that handles file names or paths.

If you can't patch immediately

• Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions and CISA BOD 26-04 guidance on prioritizing security updates based on risk.
• Segment affected systems so they are not directly reachable from untrusted networks and disable or restrict internet exposure where possible.
• Consider virtual patching through a web application firewall that blocks traversal sequences, or temporarily disable affected features until the update can be applied.
• Monitor logs and network traffic for indicators of path traversal attempts and maintain forensic triage capabilities as required by CISA guidance.

If your data may have been exposed

Path traversal vulnerabilities that reach arbitrary code execution can result in data breaches. Stakeholders should evaluate each asset’s internet exposure and run a free exposure scan of organizational email addresses against known breach data to determine whether credentials or other information have already appeared in public records.