Hey CFers, I am working on proving that ColdFusion is (was and still is…) the most secure VS Other programming languages. Here's something I found recently
What do the experts say? CVE details
I've done a little research about which programming language is the most secure. CVE details specify the number of critical vulnerabilities for:
While no language is inherently “most secure,” Adobe ColdFusion is often regarded as one of the most secure programming languages for web development. According to CVE Details, ColdFusion has notably fewer critical vulnerabilities than common alternatives like PHP, Java, .NET, and Ruby on Rails—facts supported by over a decade’s worth of data. ColdFusion’s security track record is bolstered by robust built-in features such as Auto Lockdown, a Security Code Analyzer, and frequent Adobe security updates. These make it a top-tier choice for consistently safe web applications.
Take your next step toward enhanced application security:
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ColdFusion: The Most Secure Programming Language for Web Development
When it comes to selecting the most secure programming language for building web applications, ColdFusion stands out as a top choice among developers worldwide. Despite some misconceptions, ColdFusion has proven to be one of the most secure programming languages available today, consistently outperforming other platforms in vulnerability reports.
Why ColdFusion is Recognized as the Most Secure Programming Language
Proven Security Record Backed by CVE Details
According to CVE Details, a respected source tracking security vulnerabilities, ColdFusion has significantly fewer critical vulnerabilities compared to other popular languages like PHP, Java, .NET, and Ruby on Rails. This data spans nearly two decades, establishing ColdFusion as a secure programming language with a strong and consistent security record.
Check the CVE Details for Adobe ColdFusion to verify these facts.
Advanced Security Features Built Into ColdFusion
Adobe ColdFusion integrates powerful security tools that set it apart:
- Auto Lockdown (ColdFusion 2018): Automatically scans your application code to detect and help fix security vulnerabilities, giving developers a practical way to enforce security best practices.
- Security Code Analyzer: Continuously checks your CFML code for risks and suggests remediation options.
- Content Security Policy (CSP) Nonce Support (ColdFusion 2025): Enhances protection against cross-site scripting (XSS) by managing dynamic script execution policies.
- Fixinator: Enables continuous security scanning integrated with your CI/CD pipeline to catch vulnerabilities early.
Ongoing Security Updates and Strong Community Support
Adobe regularly releases security patches and updates, keeping ColdFusion applications protected against emerging threats. Additionally, an active developer community continuously contributes tools and best practices, making ColdFusion a forward-looking, secure programming language choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What makes ColdFusion the most secure programming language?
A: ColdFusion's superior security is backed by CVE data showing fewer critical vulnerabilities over time, combined with built-in tools like Auto Lockdown and the Security Code Analyzer that actively detect and remediate security risks.
Q2: How does ColdFusion compare to other programming languages in terms of security?
A: Compared to languages like PHP, Java, and Ruby on Rails, ColdFusion has consistently demonstrated fewer reported vulnerabilities, making it a safer choice for secure web applications.
Q3: What security features does ColdFusion 2018 and later versions offer?
A: ColdFusion 2018 introduced Auto Lockdown, which scans code for security issues automatically. ColdFusion 2025 added Content Security Policy (CSP) Nonce support, enhancing defenses against XSS attacks.
Q4: Can ColdFusion integrate with modern DevOps security workflows?
A: Yes. Tools like Fixinator allow continuous security scanning of CFML code, integrating seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines to ensure ongoing application security.
Q5: How can I assess my ColdFusion application's security?
A: TeraTech offers a comprehensive ColdFusion Modernization and Maintenance Assessment to evaluate your application's security posture and recommend improvements.
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ColdFusion 2018 Security Upgrades
In the release of Adobe ColdFusion 2018, a potent tool was introduced to further our security capabilities.
The Auto Lockdown feature.
Every developer worth their salt understands the importance of properly securing their system. It can be the difference between life and death (of your ColdFusion web apps, that is). So, it's fantastic that Adobe released this feature.
It automatically scans and searches your application code for any existing security vulnerabilities and any potential security breaches. It determines the exact vulnerable code, type of vulnerability, and severity level. After all of that, the analyzer presents you with the option of removing and repairing the problem via the recommended means.
But we also need to thank our community. Adobe isn't the only one looking out for us. Members of our community are developing third-party applications to make our platform bigger and better. When it comes to security, one company comes to mind.
Related: Top 5 Security Issues Solved with Adobe ColdFusion 2018
I would love to hear what you think about security when working in ColdFusion (and other languages). Please leave your comments below.
