CVE-2023-25848 in ArcGIS Enterprise Server
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2023
ArcGIS Enterprise Server versions 11.0 and below have an information disclosure vulnerability where a remote, unauthorized attacker may submit a crafted query that may result in a low severity information disclosure issue.
The information disclosed is limited to a single attribute in a database connection string. No business data is disclosed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-25848 affects ArcGIS Enterprise Server versions 11.0 and earlier, representing a significant concern for organizations relying on Esri's geographic information system platform for critical infrastructure and spatial data management. This information disclosure vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the server's query processing functionality, creating an attack surface that allows remote adversaries to manipulate database connection parameters through crafted requests.
The technical flaw manifests when the ArcGIS Enterprise Server fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input during query execution processes. Specifically, attackers can construct malicious queries that, when processed by the server, inadvertently expose a single attribute from database connection strings. This weakness falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, where the system does not adequately validate or sanitize data received from external sources before processing. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the server level, potentially allowing attackers to gather sensitive connection metadata that could facilitate further attacks against the underlying database infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond the immediate information disclosure, as it creates potential for reconnaissance activities that could lead to more severe compromises. While the disclosed information is limited to a single attribute within database connection strings, this metadata could include sensitive elements such as database usernames, server names, or connection protocols that might aid attackers in planning subsequent exploitation attempts. The low severity classification does not diminish the risk, as information disclosure vulnerabilities often serve as stepping stones for attackers to escalate their privileges or conduct more sophisticated reconnaissance. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to repository information through indirect means.
Organizations utilizing ArcGIS Enterprise Server versions 11.0 or earlier should prioritize immediate mitigation through the application of vendor-provided patches and updates to address this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the ArcGIS Enterprise Server, particularly by restricting direct internet exposure and implementing proper firewall rules. Additional mitigations include monitoring network traffic for suspicious query patterns, implementing robust input validation at the application level, and conducting regular security assessments of the GIS infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect critical geographic information systems from potential exploitation.