CVE-2012-1661 in ArcMap
Summary
by MITRE
ESRI ArcMap 9 and ArcGIS 10.0.2.3200 and earlier does not properly prompt users before executing embedded VBA macros, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary VBA code via a crafted map (.mxd) file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1661 affects ESRI ArcMap versions 9 and ArcGIS 10.0.2.3200 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in geographic information system software that enables unauthorized code execution through maliciously crafted map files. This vulnerability specifically targets the software's handling of embedded VBA macros within .mxd files, which are the primary file format used by ESRI's mapping applications for storing map documents and associated data configurations. The flaw stems from insufficient user prompting mechanisms that should normally alert users before executing potentially dangerous code, creating a dangerous attack vector where remote adversaries can exploit user trust to deliver malicious payloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the software's macro execution policy by embedding malicious VBA code within legitimate map documents. When a user opens a specially crafted .mxd file, the application automatically executes the embedded macros without proper user consent or warning, bypassing security controls that should normally require explicit user approval before running code. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of user consent and privilege separation, allowing attackers to leverage the victim's trusted application context to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's macro security model where embedded VBA code is automatically executed without proper user prompting, creating a persistent risk for any user who opens maliciously crafted map files.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1661 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass significant risks for organizations relying on ESRI mapping software for critical geographic data processing and analysis. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deliver malware, perform reconnaissance activities, or establish persistent access within network environments where ArcMap is installed, particularly in government, military, and enterprise sectors that utilize GIS applications for sensitive operations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, or shared network resources without requiring physical access to target systems. This creates a substantial risk for organizations where users may inadvertently open malicious map files, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or disruption of critical geographic operations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of ESRI ArcMap and ArcGIS that address the macro execution vulnerability, configuring macro security settings to require explicit user consent before executing any embedded code, and implementing network-level controls to prevent users from opening untrusted .mxd files from external sources. Security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of opening unknown map files and the importance of verifying file sources before execution. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-749, which addresses exposed dangerous methods or functions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for VBA and .NET, representing a clear example of how application-level security flaws can enable remote code execution through user interaction patterns. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user permissions to prevent privilege escalation through macro execution.