CVE-2024-51958:Directory traversal vulnerability in ESRI ArcGIS Server admin API for service thumbnails that may be exploited by a remote authenticated attacker with admin privileges to access files outside the intended directory; affects ArcGIS Server 11.3 and earlier.

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This CVE identifies a path traversal (CWE-22) flaw in ArcGIS Server's admin API used for service thumbnails. In ArcGIS Server versions 11.3 and below, a remote authenticated attacker with administrative privileges can craft requests to traverse the server’s file system and read files outside the designated directory. There is no impact to data integrity or service availability from the vulnerability itself, but there is a potential high confidentiality impact due to exposure of sensitive files. The advisory maps to CVSS v3.1: Network attack, low complexity, requiring high privileges, no user interaction, with a base score of 4.9 (Medium) and a confidentiality impact of high. A security update patch is available from Esri to address this issue.

Overview

ArcGIS Server versions 11.3 and earlier contain a directory traversal vulnerability in the admin API responsible for generating service thumbnails. An authenticated administrator can abuse this flaw to navigate the server’s file system and access files outside the permitted directory, potentially exposing sensitive information. While the vulnerability does not alter data or disrupt availability, its primary risk is leakage of confidential data. The issue is categorized as CWE-22 Path Traversal and is mapped to CAPEC-126. Mitigation is expected to be provided via vendor patch, with ongoing guidance to apply updates promptly and restrict admin access.

Remediation

  • Apply the ArcGIS Server Security Update 2025 Update 1 patch from Esri as soon as possible. After patching, restart the ArcGIS Server service and verify the patch is active.
  • If patch deployment is not feasible immediately, implement compensating controls: restrict admin API access (especially endpoints related to service thumbnails) to trusted admin networks or IPs; enforce TLS and strong authentication for admin accounts; disable or limit access to the admin API for thumbnails if possible; rotate admin credentials and monitor admin activity logs for suspicious requests.
  • After patching or applying mitigations, perform validation to confirm the vulnerability is mitigated (e.g., verify patch version, review access patterns, and conduct targeted testing if able).
  • Plan for an upgrade to a fixed release version beyond 11.3, per Esri guidance, to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.

References

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Management of Companies & Enterprises: Low
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  2. Accommodation & Food Services: Low
    Accommodation & Food Services
  3. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  4. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  5. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  6. Construction: Low
    Construction
  7. Educational Services: Low
    Educational Services
  8. Finance and Insurance: Low
    Finance and Insurance
  9. Health Care & Social Assistance: Low
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  10. Information: Low
    Information
  11. Manufacturing: Low
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining: Low
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration: Low
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade: Low
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing: Low
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities: Low
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade: Low
    Wholesale Trade

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