Convective Security Hardening Framework
Systematic Methodology for ColdFusion 2025 Security
Framework Overview
The Convective Security Hardening Framework is a proprietary methodology developed from 20+ years of production ColdFusion deployment experience. This systematic approach ensures comprehensive security coverage through five distinct phases, each building upon the previous to create defense-in-depth protection.
Core Principles
- Secure by Default: Start with restrictive configurations, selectively enable features
- Defense in Depth: Layer multiple security controls for comprehensive protection
- Measure Everything: Validate security posture through continuous monitoring
- Assume Breach: Design security assuming attackers will gain initial access
- Minimize Attack Surface: Disable all non-essential services and features
The Five Phases
Security Assessment & Baseline
Establish current security posture and create a comprehensive baseline before implementing changes.
Key Activities:
- Inventory Analysis: Document all installed ColdFusion components, packages, and features
- Vulnerability Scan: Run automated security scanning tools (Nessus, Qualys, OpenVAS)
- Configuration Audit: Review current security settings in ColdFusion Administrator
- Network Topology: Map network architecture and access points
- Access Review: Audit user accounts, permissions, and authentication methods
- Compliance Check: Verify against industry standards (PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOC 2)
Deliverables:
- Security assessment report with risk ratings
- Current configuration baseline documentation
- Prioritized remediation roadmap
- Compliance gap analysis
Success Metrics:
- 100% of ColdFusion assets inventoried
- Vulnerability scan completion rate: 100%
- Identified security gaps documented with severity ratings
Foundation Hardening
Implement essential security controls and eliminate critical vulnerabilities identified in Phase 1.
Key Activities:
- Lockdown Execution: Run Adobe ColdFusion 2025 Lockdown Guide
- Update Application: Apply all critical security patches and updates
- Service Reduction: Remove unused packages via cfpm, disable unnecessary services
- Admin Hardening: Secure ColdFusion Administrator (IP restrictions, MFA, strong passwords)
- Web Server Integration: Properly configure and secure web server connectors
- File System Permissions: Set appropriate ownership and access controls
Deliverables:
- Lockdown execution report with verification tests
- Updated configuration documentation
- Service reduction inventory
- Hardened administrator access procedures
Success Metrics:
- Critical vulnerabilities remediated: 100%
- Unused services disabled: 100%
- Admin access restricted to authorized networks only
- All components updated to latest secure versions
Advanced Security Controls
Deploy sophisticated security mechanisms for application-level protection and runtime security.
Key Activities:
- Session Hardening: Implement secure cookies (HttpOnly, Secure, SameSite)
- Security Headers: Configure CSP, HSTS, X-Frame-Options, X-XSS-Protection
- Input Validation: Implement comprehensive input sanitization and validation
- Output Encoding: Apply context-aware output encoding to prevent XSS
- SQL Injection Prevention: Enforce parameterized queries, disable dynamic SQL
- API Security: Harden REST APIs with authentication, rate limiting, input validation
- Encryption: Implement TLS 1.3, encrypt sensitive data at rest
Deliverables:
- Security headers configuration guide
- Input validation framework implementation
- API security policy documentation
- Encryption key management procedures
Success Metrics:
- All security headers properly configured: 100%
- Input validation coverage: >95%
- SQL injection vulnerabilities: 0
- XSS vulnerabilities: 0
- TLS 1.3 enabled with strong cipher suites
Security Monitoring & Detection
Establish comprehensive monitoring, logging, and threat detection capabilities.
Key Activities:
- Centralized Logging: Implement SIEM integration for log aggregation
- Security Event Monitoring: Configure alerts for suspicious activities
- Intrusion Detection: Deploy IDS/IPS for network-level threat detection
- File Integrity Monitoring: Monitor critical files for unauthorized changes
- Failed Login Tracking: Alert on authentication failures and brute force attempts
- Anomaly Detection: Establish baseline behavior, alert on deviations
- Incident Response: Create playbooks for common security incidents
Deliverables:
- SIEM integration documentation
- Security monitoring dashboard
- Alert configuration and escalation procedures
- Incident response playbooks
- Security metrics reporting framework
Success Metrics:
- Security logs centralized: 100%
- Alert response time: <15 minutes
- False positive rate: <5%
- Incident detection rate: >95%
Continuous Security Maintenance
Maintain and improve security posture through ongoing assessment, testing, and updates.
Key Activities:
- Patch Management: Systematic process for security updates (test, validate, deploy)
- Quarterly Audits: Regular security configuration reviews
- Penetration Testing: Annual third-party security assessments
- Vulnerability Scanning: Weekly automated security scans
- Security Training: Regular developer security awareness updates
- Threat Intelligence: Monitor emerging ColdFusion vulnerabilities and exploits
- Configuration Drift Prevention: Automated configuration compliance checks
Deliverables:
- Patch management schedule and procedures
- Quarterly security audit reports
- Annual penetration test results
- Security training curriculum
- Threat intelligence briefings
Success Metrics:
- Security patches applied within SLA: 100%
- Audit findings remediation rate: >95%
- Security training completion: 100% of team
- Configuration drift incidents: 0
Implementation Timeline
Framework Benefits
Systematic Approach
Eliminates guesswork with structured methodology ensuring comprehensive coverage
Risk Reduction
Proven to reduce security incidents by 90%+ when fully implemented
Compliance Ready
Aligns with PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOC 2, and other security frameworks
Measurable Results
Clear metrics at each phase validate security improvements
Expert Framework Implementation
Need help implementing the Convective Security Hardening Framework? Contact Convective for professional security consulting.