CVE-2005-1393 in ArcInfo Workstation
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in ArcGIS for ESRI ArcInfo Workstation 9.0 allow local users to execute arbitrary code via long command line arguments to (1) asmaster, (2) asuser, (3) asutility, (4) se, or (5) asrecovery.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1393 represents a critical buffer overflow issue affecting ArcGIS for ESRI ArcInfo Workstation version 9.0. This security flaw manifests across multiple executables within the ESRI software suite, specifically targeting the asmaster, asuser, asutility, se, and asrecovery programs. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle command line arguments exceeding predetermined buffer sizes, creating exploitable conditions for malicious code execution.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates through classic buffer overflow mechanisms where user-supplied command line parameters are directly copied into fixed-length memory buffers without adequate bounds checking. The flaw falls under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. When these executables receive command line arguments exceeding their allocated buffer space, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires only local system access, making it exploitable by users with minimal privileges who already have access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential persistence mechanisms within ESRI ArcInfo Workstation environments. The affected executables are core components of the geographic information system infrastructure, meaning successful exploitation could compromise critical spatial data processing capabilities. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, escalate privileges, or exfiltrate sensitive geospatial information. The local execution requirement means that exploitation typically requires an attacker to already have a foothold on the system, but once achieved, the impact can be severe for organizations relying on ArcGIS for critical infrastructure mapping and analysis.
Organizations utilizing ESRI ArcInfo Workstation 9.0 should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying available patches from ESRI, implementing input validation controls, and conducting security assessments of affected systems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation involves manipulating command line arguments to achieve code execution. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in enterprise software environments where multiple executables may be exposed to user input. System administrators should also consider network segmentation and privilege separation to limit potential impact should exploitation occur, while monitoring for unusual command line argument patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities.