CVE-2026-9182 in ArcGIS Server
Summary
by MITRE • 07/06/2026
ArcGIS Server contains an unrestricted file upload vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker could exploit this issue by uploading a crafted file to the affected endpoint. Successful exploitation could allow arbitrary file upload.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2026
The ArcGIS Server unrestricted file upload vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the server's file handling processes, allowing malicious actors to bypass authorization checks and upload potentially harmful files without proper authentication. The flaw exists in the server's web interface where users can submit files for processing or storage, creating an attack surface that directly violates fundamental security principles of input sanitization and access control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper file type validation and content inspection mechanisms within ArcGIS Server's upload handlers. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious files with specific extensions or embedded payloads that are not properly filtered during the upload process. The vulnerability manifests when the server accepts uploaded files without adequate verification of their content, file types, or execution permissions, creating opportunities for attackers to upload web shells, script files, or other malicious executables that can be executed within the server environment. This weakness aligns with CWE-434 which specifically addresses insecure file upload vulnerabilities where systems accept potentially dangerous files without proper validation.
The operational impact of successful exploitation extends far beyond simple unauthorized file placement. An attacker who successfully uploads malicious content could gain persistent access to the underlying server infrastructure, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, which may include privilege escalation techniques, network reconnaissance, or installation of additional malware. This represents a severe threat to organizations using ArcGIS Server for geographic information systems, as these platforms often contain sensitive spatial data, mapping information, and operational details that could be compromised through such attacks.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability including immediate patching of affected versions, implementing strict file type validation on all upload endpoints, restricting write permissions to upload directories, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious upload attempts. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file upload patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams must conduct thorough code reviews of file handling components and implement proper access controls that enforce authentication requirements for all file upload operations. The mitigation strategies should align with ATT&CK framework techniques related to command and control, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms that attackers typically employ when exploiting such vulnerabilities in enterprise systems.