CVE-2006-0089 in ArcPad
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in ESRI ArcPad 7.0.0.156 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a .amp file with a COORDSYS tag with a long string attribute.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2016
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0089 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in ESRI ArcPad version 7.0.0.156 that exposes the application to remote exploitation. This issue specifically targets the handling of coordinate system tags within .amp files, which are used for storing map data and configuration settings in the ArcPad mobile mapping application. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking when processing the COORDSYS tag, which contains a string attribute that can be manipulated by remote attackers to trigger the buffer overflow condition.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of string data within the COORDSYS tag structure. When ArcPad processes a malicious .amp file containing an oversized string attribute within the COORDSYS tag, the application fails to properly validate the length of the input data before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. This classic buffer overflow scenario occurs because the application assumes a maximum string length for the coordinate system specification but receives data exceeding this predetermined limit. The flaw falls under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or application crash.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for mobile GIS users who may encounter malicious .amp files through email attachments, file sharing networks, or compromised web services. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to target systems, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where field workers regularly download map data from centralized servers. The denial of service aspect can disrupt critical field operations, while the potential for arbitrary code execution provides attackers with persistent access to affected systems, potentially enabling data exfiltration, lateral movement, or further compromise of network infrastructure.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate system compromise as it demonstrates poor software security practices in legacy GIS applications. Organizations relying on ArcPad for field data collection, surveying, or emergency response operations face substantial operational disruption risks when this vulnerability is exploited. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1203, which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059, which addresses execution through command and scripting interpreters. Security professionals should consider implementing network segmentation to isolate mobile GIS systems, deploying application whitelisting policies, and establishing secure file transfer protocols to prevent unauthorized .amp file downloads. Additionally, regular security assessments of legacy software components and timely patch management procedures are essential to address similar vulnerabilities in other geospatial applications that may share similar architectural flaws.