How severe is CVE-2021-40698?

CVE-2021-40698 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.4, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity low, and availability low.

Is CVE-2021-40698 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (41st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-40698?

CVE-2021-40698 primarily affects Adobe Coldfusion. In total, 13 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-40698?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2021-40698 published?

CVE-2021-40698 was published on 2023-09-07 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-40698

CVE-2021-40698 is a high-severity vulnerability in Adobe Coldfusion with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.4. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-242.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.4)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (41st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-242
Affected product: Adobe Coldfusion
Published: 2023-09-07
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

ColdFusion version 2021 update 1 (and earlier) and versions 2018.10 (and earlier) are impacted by an Use of Inherently Dangerous Function vulnerability that can lead to a security feature bypass  . An authenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to access and manipulate arbitrary data on the environment.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-40698?: ColdFusion version 2021 update 1 (and earlier) and versions 2018.10 (and earlier) are impacted by an Use of Inherently Dangerous Function vulnerability that can lead to a security feature bypass  . An authenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to access and manipulate arbitrary data on the environment.
How severe is CVE-2021-40698?: CVE-2021-40698 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.4, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity low, and availability low.
Is CVE-2021-40698 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (41st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-40698?: CVE-2021-40698 primarily affects Adobe Coldfusion. In total, 13 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-40698?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2021-40698 published?: CVE-2021-40698 was published on 2023-09-07 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/coldfusion/apsb21-75.html

Affected products (13)

cpe:2.3:a:adobe:coldfusion:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:coldfusion:2018:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:coldfusion:2018:update1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:coldfusion:2018:update10:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:coldfusion:2018:update2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:coldfusion:2018:update3:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:coldfusion:2018:update4:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:coldfusion:2018:update5:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:coldfusion:2018:update6:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:coldfusion:2018:update7:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:coldfusion:2018:update8:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:coldfusion:2018:update9:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:coldfusion:2021:-:*:*:*:*:*:*

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