CVE-2022-38184 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A detailed analysis of the improper access control vulnerability in Portal for ArcGIS versions 10.8.1 and below.

Understanding CVE-2022-38184

This CVE details an improper access control vulnerability affecting Portal for ArcGIS versions 10.8.1 and below, potentially allowing remote attackers to exploit the system.

What is CVE-2022-38184?

The CVE-2022-38184 refers to an improper access control vulnerability in Portal for ArcGIS versions 10.8.1, enabling unauthenticated attackers to access an API to read arbitrary URLs.

The Impact of CVE-2022-38184

With a CVSS base score of 7.5 (High Severity), the vulnerability poses a risk of high confidentiality impact as attackers can access sensitive data without authentication.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-38184

Here are the technical specifics of the CVE-2022-38184 vulnerability in Portal for ArcGIS:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows remote, unauthenticated attackers to access an API in Portal for ArcGIS, potentially leading to arbitrary URL reads.

Affected Systems and Versions

Portal for ArcGIS versions 10.8.1 and below are affected by this vulnerability, impacting systems using these specific versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves leveraging improper access controls to interact with the API and gain unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-38184, the following steps can be taken:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable anonymous access to Portal for ArcGIS to prevent unauthorized parties from exploiting the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict access controls, authentication mechanisms, and regular security assessments to detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that Portal for ArcGIS is updated to versions beyond 10.8.1 to mitigate the vulnerability and enhance system security.