CVE-2023-25838 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record pertains to a SQL injection vulnerability identified in Esri ArcGIS Insights 2022.1 for ArcGIS Enterprise. This vulnerability could potentially enable a remote, authorized attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the back-end database. The complexity of generating the necessary crafted input to exploit this issue requires significant effort before a successful attack could occur.

Understanding CVE-2023-25838

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-25838, shedding light on the vulnerability, its impacts, and technical details.

What is CVE-2023-25838?

The CVE-2023-25838 is centered around a SQL injection vulnerability in Esri ArcGIS Insights 2022.1 for ArcGIS Enterprise, allowing authorized remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the back-end database. The exploit process for this vulnerability is complex and demands considerable effort for successful execution.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25838

The impact of CVE-2023-25838 is significant, with a base severity rating of HIGH due to its potential to compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is through the network, and while low privileges are required for exploitation, the attack complexity is deemed high.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25838

This section outlines the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, specifically known as SQL injection (CWE-89). This flaw allows attackers to manipulate SQL queries to execute unauthorized commands on the database.

Affected Systems and Versions

Esri ArcGIS Insights 2022.1 for ArcGIS Enterprise running on x64 platforms is impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authorized remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious SQL commands into input fields, subsequently gaining unauthorized access to the back-end database.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section provides guidance on mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2023-25838 and preventing potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply security patches promptly to address the vulnerability. Additionally, ensure that network access to the affected system is restricted to authorized entities only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust input validation mechanisms to sanitize user input and prevent SQL injection attacks. Regular security assessments and audits should be conducted to identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Esri has released security patches for ArcGIS Insights 2022.1 to address this vulnerability. Organizations utilizing the affected version should apply the latest patches as soon as possible to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

By following these mitigation strategies and staying informed about security updates, organizations can enhance their defense posture against SQL injection threats like CVE-2023-25838.