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Server Update - Updates

Check for and install ColdFusion updates, hotfixes, and security patches

Last updated: October 27, 20256 min read

Overview

The Server Update page in ColdFusion Administrator allows you to check for and install official Adobe ColdFusion updates, security patches, and hotfixes. Keeping your ColdFusion server updated is critical for security, stability, and access to the latest features and bug fixes.

Updates are released periodically by Adobe and include cumulative fixes, security patches, and enhancements. The update mechanism provides automated checking, downloading, installation, and rollback capabilities.

Update Types

ColdFusion provides different types of updates to address various needs.

Security Hotfixes

Purpose
Address critical security vulnerabilities
Priority
Critical - Install immediately
Release Frequency
As needed when vulnerabilities are discovered

Security hotfixes should be installed immediately to protect against known vulnerabilities and exploits.

Cumulative Hotfixes

Purpose
Bug fixes and performance improvements
Priority
High - Install after testing
Release Frequency
Quarterly or as needed

Cumulative hotfixes include all previous hotfixes plus new bug fixes and improvements.

Update Releases

Purpose
Major updates with new features
Priority
Medium - Plan and test thoroughly
Release Frequency
Annually or semi-annually

Update releases (e.g., Update 1, Update 2) may include new features and significant changes requiring testing.

Update Settings

Configure how ColdFusion checks for and handles updates.

Auto Check for Server Updates

PurposeAutomatically check Adobe servers for available updates
DefaultEnabled
RecommendationEnable to stay informed of critical security updates
ImpactColdFusion checks for updates weekly and displays notifications in the administrator
Best Practice: Enable automatic checking in all environments. This does not automatically install updates - it only checks for availability. You maintain full control over when to install updates.

Installation Level

PurposeControl which types of updates are shown and can be installed
OptionsAll Updates: Shows all available updates including features
Security Updates Only: Shows only critical security patches
RecommendationAll Updates for visibility, install selectively
Strategy: Set to "All Updates" to see everything available, but use your own judgment and testing process to determine which updates to install and when.

Checking for Updates

Manually check for available updates from Adobe servers.

Check for Updates Button

PurposeManually trigger update check without waiting for automatic check
Process1. Connects to Adobe update servers
2. Compares installed version and updates
3. Downloads update manifest
4. Displays available updates
RequirementsServer must have outbound internet access to Adobe servers
Troubleshooting: If update checks fail, verify:
  • Server has outbound internet connectivity
  • Firewall allows HTTPS (port 443) to Adobe domains
  • Proxy settings are configured if required
  • DNS resolution is working properly

Available Updates List

InformationUpdate name, version, size, type (security/feature), and description
ActionsDownload, install, or view details for each update
Best Practice: Review update release notes and known issues before installing. Test updates in development/staging environment first before deploying to production.

Installing Updates

Install updates through the ColdFusion Administrator interface.

Installation Process

Steps1. Select update to install
2. Download update package
3. Backup current installation
4. Stop ColdFusion services
5. Apply update files
6. Restart ColdFusion services
7. Verify installation
Duration5-15 minutes depending on update size and server performance
DowntimeYes - ColdFusion services restart during installation
Critical: Updates require ColdFusion service restart. Schedule installations during maintenance windows to avoid disrupting users.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Before Installing Any Update:
  • Backup: Full backup of ColdFusion installation directory
  • Backup: Backup of web root and application files
  • Backup: Export ColdFusion Administrator settings (CAR file)
  • Test: Install and test update in development/staging environment first
  • Review: Read release notes and known issues
  • Schedule: Plan installation during low-traffic maintenance window
  • Notify: Inform users of scheduled downtime
  • Verify: Ensure adequate disk space for download and installation

Manual Update Installation

For servers without internet access, you can manually download and install updates:

Manual Update Installation Steps
# 1. Download update JAR file from Adobe website
# 2. Copy JAR file to server
# 3. Stop ColdFusion service
net stop "ColdFusion 2023 Application Server"

# 4. Run update installation
cd C:\ColdFusion2023\cfusion\hf-updates
java -jar ColdFusion-Update.jar

# 5. Follow prompts to complete installation

# 6. Start ColdFusion service
net start "ColdFusion 2023 Application Server"

# 7. Verify update installation
# Check Server Update page in CF Administrator
# 1. Download update JAR file from Adobe website
# 2. Copy JAR file to server
# 3. Stop ColdFusion service
sudo /opt/coldfusion2023/cfusion/bin/coldfusion stop

# 4. Run update installation
cd /opt/coldfusion2023/cfusion/hf-updates
sudo java -jar ColdFusion-Update.jar

# 5. Follow prompts to complete installation

# 6. Start ColdFusion service
sudo /opt/coldfusion2023/cfusion/bin/coldfusion start

# 7. Verify update installation
# Check Server Update page in CF Administrator

Update Rollback

Roll back to previous version if an update causes issues.

Rollback Capability

PurposeRestore ColdFusion to state before update was installed
AvailabilityAvailable for most updates installed through administrator
Process1. View installed updates list
2. Select update to uninstall
3. Click "Uninstall" button
4. Confirm rollback action
5. Services restart automatically
Important: Rollback removes the selected update and all updates installed after it. For example, rolling back Update 5 also removes Updates 6 and 7 if installed.

When to Roll Back

Consider Rollback When:
  • Update causes application errors or unexpected behavior
  • Performance degrades significantly after update
  • Critical functionality breaks
  • Third-party integrations stop working
  • Server stability issues appear
Security Consideration: Avoid rolling back security updates unless absolutely necessary. If you must roll back a security update, implement compensating controls and work with Adobe support to resolve the issue.

Manual Rollback Using Backups

If automatic rollback is unavailable or fails, restore from backup:

Restore from Backup
# 1. Stop ColdFusion service
net stop "ColdFusion 2023 Application Server"

# 2. Rename current installation
cd C:\ColdFusion2023
ren cfusion cfusion-backup-failed-update

# 3. Restore from backup
# Extract your backup archive to restore cfusion directory

# 4. Start ColdFusion service
net start "ColdFusion 2023 Application Server"

# 5. Verify functionality
# Test critical application features
# 1. Stop ColdFusion service
sudo /opt/coldfusion2023/cfusion/bin/coldfusion stop

# 2. Rename current installation
cd /opt/coldfusion2023
sudo mv cfusion cfusion-backup-failed-update

# 3. Restore from backup
# Extract your backup archive to restore cfusion directory
sudo tar -xzf cfusion-backup.tar.gz

# 4. Restore permissions
sudo chown -R cfusion:cfusion cfusion

# 5. Start ColdFusion service
sudo /opt/coldfusion2023/cfusion/bin/coldfusion start

# 6. Verify functionality
# Test critical application features

Installed Updates

Viewing Installed Updates

InformationList of all installed updates with version, installation date, and type
ActionsView details or uninstall (rollback) each update
DocumentationKeep record of installed updates for compliance and troubleshooting
Best Practice: Maintain a change log documenting:
  • Update name and version
  • Installation date and time
  • Person who performed installation
  • Testing results before and after
  • Any issues encountered and resolutions

Update Best Practices

Development → Staging → Production

Recommended Update Workflow:
  • Development: Install update first, perform initial testing
  • Staging: Install update, run full regression test suite
  • Production: Install only after successful testing in staging
  • Timing: Wait 1-2 weeks for each stage to identify issues
  • Monitoring: Watch Adobe forums for reports of issues with new updates

Security Update Priority

Critical Security Updates:
  • Install security updates as quickly as possible
  • Accelerate testing timeline for critical security patches
  • Consider emergency change procedures for severe vulnerabilities
  • If testing reveals issues, implement compensating controls while resolving
  • Subscribe to Adobe security notifications for early warning

Update Automation

Automation Considerations:
  • Use configuration management tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef) to deploy updates consistently
  • Script backup and verification steps before update installation
  • Automate post-update smoke tests to verify functionality
  • Document rollback procedures and keep them current
  • Never fully automate production updates - always require manual approval

Troubleshooting Updates

Update Check Fails

Symptom: Cannot check for updates, connection errors, timeout errors
Solutions:
  • Verify server has outbound internet connectivity
  • Check firewall rules allow HTTPS to Adobe update servers
  • Configure proxy settings in ColdFusion if required
  • Test DNS resolution for Adobe domains
  • Review ColdFusion logs for specific error messages
  • Use manual update download as alternative

Update Installation Fails

Symptom: Update installation process fails or hangs, services won't start after update
Solutions:
  • Verify adequate disk space for update files
  • Check file permissions on ColdFusion directories
  • Review installation logs in cfusion/hf-updates directory
  • Ensure no antivirus software is blocking file modifications
  • Stop any processes locking ColdFusion files
  • Try manual update installation method
  • Restore from backup if installation corrupted files

Application Errors After Update

Symptom: Applications produce errors or unexpected behavior after update installation
Solutions:
  • Review update release notes for known compatibility issues
  • Clear template cache (force recompilation of all templates)
  • Check for deprecated function usage flagged by update
  • Review error logs for specific error messages and stack traces
  • Test functionality systematically to isolate affected areas
  • Search Adobe forums and bug tracker for similar issues
  • Contact Adobe support if critical functionality is broken
  • Consider rollback if issues cannot be resolved quickly

Related Resources

Server Settings - SettingsConfigure general server settings and request handlingDebugging & Logging - Log FilesView and analyze ColdFusion log files for troubleshootingServer Settings SummaryView comprehensive summary of all server settingsColdFusion Administrator ReferenceComplete administrator guide and settings reference