Description
A hardcoded credential vulnerability exists in a specific deployment pattern for Esri Portal for ArcGIS versions 11.4 and below that may allow a remote authenticated attacker to gain administrative access to the system.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-7146
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability EUVD-2025-7146, also known as CVE-2025-2538, is a hardcoded credential vulnerability in specific deployment patterns for Esri Portal for ArcGIS versions 11.4 and below. This vulnerability allows a remote authenticated attacker to gain administrative access to the system. The severity of this vulnerability is rated with a CVSS Base Score of 9.8, which is considered critical.
CVSS Vector Breakdown:
- AV:N (Network Vector): The vulnerability is exploitable over the network.
- AC:L (Low Complexity): The attack requires low skill or resources.
- PR:N (No Privileges Required): No privileges are required to exploit the vulnerability.
- UI:N (No User Interaction): No user interaction is required.
- S:U (Unchanged): The scope of the vulnerability does not change.
- C:H (High Confidentiality Impact): Complete confidentiality loss.
- I:H (High Integrity Impact): Complete integrity loss.
- A:H (High Availability Impact): Complete availability loss.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Remote Authenticated Access: An attacker with valid credentials can exploit the hardcoded credentials to escalate privileges.
- Network-Based Attacks: Given the network vector (AV:N), the attack can be conducted remotely over the network.
Exploitation Methods:
- Credential Harvesting: The attacker can use the hardcoded credentials to authenticate and gain administrative access.
- Privilege Escalation: Once authenticated, the attacker can perform administrative actions, including modifying system configurations, accessing sensitive data, and potentially deploying malicious software.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
The vulnerability affects the following versions of Esri Portal for ArcGIS:
- 11.4
- 11.3
- 11.2
- 11.1
- 10.9.1
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Patch Deployment: Apply the security patch provided by Esri (Portal for ArcGIS Security 2025 Update 1 Patch).
- Credential Management: Ensure that all default and hardcoded credentials are changed to strong, unique passwords.
- Access Control: Implement strict access controls and monitor for unauthorized access attempts.
Long-Term Strategies:
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
- User Training: Educate users on the importance of strong passwords and the risks associated with hardcoded credentials.
- Network Segmentation: Segment the network to limit the scope of potential attacks.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations using Esri Portal for ArcGIS within the European Union. Given the critical nature of the vulnerability, it could lead to:
- Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to sensitive data.
- Service Disruptions: Potential disruption of critical services.
- Compliance Issues: Violation of data protection regulations such as GDPR.
Regulatory Implications:
- Organizations must comply with GDPR and other relevant regulations by ensuring that vulnerabilities are promptly addressed and that appropriate security measures are in place.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Detection:
- Log Analysis: Monitor logs for unusual administrative activities and unauthorized access attempts.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Deploy IDS to detect and alert on suspicious network activities.
Response:
- Incident Response Plan: Have a well-defined incident response plan to quickly address any detected exploitation attempts.
- Forensic Analysis: Conduct forensic analysis to understand the scope and impact of any successful exploitation.
Prevention:
- Regular Patching: Ensure that all systems are regularly patched and updated.
- Security Best Practices: Follow security best practices for credential management, access control, and network security.
References:
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and implementing robust security measures, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and protect their critical assets.