CVE-2023-38203: Adobe ColdFusion Deserialization of Untrusted Data Vulnerability

Should you act?

Exploited: patch now if you run it

CISA has confirmed exploitation in the wild. This signal is computed from CISA KEV, EPSS and CVSS data; it is not an editorial verdict.

• Yes, if you run Adobe ColdFusion. CISA added this CVE to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2024-01-08, which means there is reliable evidence of exploitation in the wild. US federal agencies must remediate by 2024-01-29; treat that as the outer limit, not the target. CISA also lists it as known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
• EPSS 97.1%, percentile 99.9: FIRST’s model estimates a 97.1% chance of exploitation activity in the next 30 days, higher than 99.9% of all scored CVEs (very high). EPSS is a probability, not a verdict.
• Remotely reachable with no login and no user interaction. If the vulnerable service is exposed to the internet, prioritize it.

What it is

Adobe ColdFusion versions 2018u17 (and earlier), 2021u7 (and earlier) and 2023u1 (and earlier) are affected by a Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerability that could result in Arbitrary code execution. Exploitation of this issue does not require user interaction.

CISA’s summary

Adobe ColdFusion contains a deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability that allows for code execution.

Weakness type: CWE-502.

Product: Adobe ColdFusion · Assigned by: adobe · Published: 2023-07-20

Affected and fixed versions

Severity scores

• Attack vector: network (remotely reachable)
• Attack complexity: low
• Privileges required: none (no login)
• User interaction: none
• Scope: unchanged

CVSS measures how bad a flaw is if exploited, not how likely exploitation is. Read it next to the exploitation data below.

Exploitation and urgency

• CISA KEV: added 2024-01-08; federal due date 2024-01-29. Known ransomware use: Known.
• CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
• CISA SSVC assessment: exploitation active, automatable yes, technical impact total.
• FIRST EPSS (model of 2026-10-21): 97.07% probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days; percentile 99.9.

Timeline

• 2023-07-20 — CVE record published by adobe
• 2024-01-08 — Added to CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
• 2024-01-29 — CISA remediation deadline for US federal agencies
• 2025-10-21 — CVE record last updated

Sources and references

Original sources first. Version and fix details should always be confirmed against the vendor or project advisory.

Vendor and project advisories, patches

1. helpx.adobe.com helpx.adobe.com

Vulnerability records

1. CVE.org record CVE-2023-38203 cve.org
2. NVD entry CVE-2023-38203 nvd.nist.gov

Government

1. CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog entry cisa.gov

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