CVE-2023-38203
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitAdobe 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.
Published Jul 21, 2023 · Updated Oct 21, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-38203 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting ColdFusion (Adobe).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jul 17, 2023 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 97% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
97%
Higher than 99.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
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.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jan 8, 2024 | Jan 29, 2024 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Jul 17, 2023 | Jan 29, 2024 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Jan 8, 2024 | Jan 29, 2024 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Jan 8, 2024 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
29 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| ColdFusionAdobe | 2018, 2018-update1, 2018-update10, 2018-update11, 2018-update12, 2018-update13, 2018-update14, 2018-update15 | n/a |
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jul 17, 2023
Publicly disclosed
Jul 21, 2023
Added to CISA KEV
Jan 8, 2024
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jan 8, 2024
Added to ENISA EUVD
Jan 8, 2024
Last updated
Oct 21, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-502 Deserialization of Untrusted Data
References
- advisoryhttps://blog.projectdiscovery.io/adobe-coldfusion-rce/
- advisoryhttps://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/indesign/apsb21-73.html
- advisoryhttps://securityboulevard.com/2023/07/adobe-coldfusion-vulnerabilities-exploited-in-wild/
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2021-39822
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2023-38203
FAQ
Common Questions.
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.
Affected: ColdFusion (Adobe) versions 2018, 2018-update1, 2018-update10, 2018-update11, 2018-update12, 2018-update13, 2018-update14, 2018-update15. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jul 17, 2023 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Jan 8, 2024 with a federal remediation due date of Jan 29, 2024.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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