ColdFusion 2025: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference
CVE-2026-47960 is a high-severity improper restriction of XML external entity reference vulnerability in ColdFusion 2025 from Adobe, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.4 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected ColdFusion 2025 versions: 8 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.46% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of ColdFusion 2025 you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on helpx.adobe.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe | ColdFusion 2025 | 8 and earlier | Not stated |
| Adobe | ColdFusion 2023 | 19 and earlier | Not stated |
| Adobe | Coldfusion | 2023; 2025 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by CNA (adobe.com).
Official description
ColdFusion versions 2023.19, 2025.8 and earlier are affected by an Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference ('XXE') vulnerability that could lead to arbitrary file system read. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive files and directories outside the intended access scope. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file. Scope is changed.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference
The product processes an XML document that can contain XML entities with URIs that resolve to documents outside of the intended sphere of control, causing the product to embed incorrect documents into its output.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Many XML parsers and validators can be configured to disable external entity expansion.
More Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerabilities (CWE-611)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in ColdFusion 2025
- 9.3 Critical severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 7.6 High severity
Recent Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerabilities
- 7.7 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
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