CVE-2023-38205
HighExploitedPublic exploitAdobe ColdFusion versions 2018u18 (and earlier), 2021u8 (and earlier) and 2023u2 (and earlier) are affected by an Improper Access Control vulnerability that could result in a Security feature bypass.
Published Jul 21, 2023 · Updated Oct 21, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-38205 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v3.1) affecting ColdFusion (Adobe).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jul 20, 2023. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 100% 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
7.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
100%
Higher than 99.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2023-38205 brief as a PDF
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Description
Adobe ColdFusion versions 2018u18 (and earlier), 2021u8 (and earlier) and 2023u2 (and earlier) are affected by an Improper Access Control vulnerability that could result in a Security feature bypass. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to access the administration CFM and CFC endpoints. Exploitation of this issue does not require user interaction.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jul 20, 2023 | Aug 10, 2023 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Jul 20, 2023 | Aug 10, 2023 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Jul 20, 2023 | Aug 10, 2023 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Jul 20, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
31 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 CISA KEV
Jul 20, 2023
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jul 20, 2023
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jul 20, 2023
Added to ENISA EUVD
Jul 20, 2023
Publicly disclosed
Jul 21, 2023
Last updated
Oct 21, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-284 Improper Access Control
References
- advisoryhttps://blog.projectdiscovery.io/adobe-coldfusion-rce/
- advisoryhttps://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/coldfusion/apsb23-47.html
- 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
FAQ
Common Questions.
Adobe ColdFusion versions 2018u18 (and earlier), 2021u8 (and earlier) and 2023u2 (and earlier) are affected by an Improper Access Control vulnerability that could result in a Security feature bypass.
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 20, 2023.
Yes. It was added on Jul 20, 2023 with a federal remediation due date of Aug 10, 2023.
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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