CVE-2021-29095 : What You Need to Know

Multiple uninitialized pointer vulnerabilities in Esri ArcGIS Server 10.8.1 and earlier versions allow attackers to execute arbitrary code in the service account's context.

Understanding CVE-2021-29095

This CVE involves multiple uninitialized pointer vulnerabilities in ArcGIS Server, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.

What is CVE-2021-29095?

CVE-2021-29095 relates to uninitialized pointer vulnerabilities in Esri ArcGIS Server 10.8.1 and earlier versions. Attackers with specific permissions can exploit this to execute arbitrary code within the service account's context.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29095

The impact of this CVE is rated as MEDIUM severity, with a CVSS base score of 6.4. It can lead to high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts while requiring high privileges and user interaction for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29095

This section outlines the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves uninitialized pointer issues in ArcGIS Server, allowing authenticated attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Esri ArcGIS Server 10.8.1 and earlier versions are affected. Platforms impacted by this vulnerability include x64.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an authenticated attacker with specialized permissions needs to parse a specially crafted file within the ArcGIS Server environment.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are the steps to take immediately to address CVE-2021-29095 and ensure long-term security practices:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the security update provided by Esri for ArcGIS Server to remediate these vulnerabilities.
Review and restrict permissions for authenticated users to minimize potential attack surfaces.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch ArcGIS Server installations to stay protected against known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate potential security risks proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Esri and promptly apply patches and updates to secure your ArcGIS Server installations.