Password Recovery Exploitation in ArcGIS Enterprise by Esri

CVE-2025-2538

What is CVE-2025-2538?

CVE-2025-2538 is a vulnerability identified in the Esri ArcGIS Enterprise software, a platform widely used for geographic information system (GIS) applications. The vulnerability relates to improper authentication mechanisms within certain deployments, which could potentially allow unauthorized users to exploit this flaw. If successfully leveraged, such exploitation could undermine the security integrity of organizations using ArcGIS Enterprise, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive geospatial data and system functionalities.

Technical Details

The vulnerability stems from specific implementations of authentication processes in Esri ArcGIS Enterprise. It has been classified as an improper authentication vulnerability, indicating that the system's settings may fail to adequately verify user credentials in the context of password recovery mechanisms. This could lead to unintended access without proper authorization, allowing attackers to manipulate or compromise system operations.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-2538

1. Unauthorized Access: The most immediate risk associated with CVE-2025-2538 is that attackers could gain unauthorized access to the ArcGIS Enterprise system, potentially allowing them to view or alter sensitive geospatial data.

2. Data Breaches: If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to data breaches where confidential information is accessed or disclosed, jeopardizing organizational confidentiality and trust.

3. System Compromise: The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in broader system compromise, enabling attackers not only to manipulate existing data but also to implement further malicious activities within the organization’s network infrastructure, increasing the risk of additional security incidents.

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