CVE-2026-9181: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in Esri ArcGIS Server
Esri ArcGIS Server contains a directory traversal vulnerability. ArcGIS Enterprise on Kubernetes is not impacted. An unauthenticated attacker could exploit this issue by sending crafted path parameters. Successful exploitation could allow overwriting sensitive files on the system. Abuse of this issue can allow full administrative access to ArcGIS Server, with high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This issue impacts all versions of ArcGIS Server on Windows and Linux 12.0 and prior. This issue does not impact ArcGIS Enterprise for Kubernetes.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-9181 is a critical directory traversal vulnerability in Esri ArcGIS Server (versions 12.0 and earlier) that allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit crafted path parameters to overwrite sensitive files on the system. Successful exploitation can result in full administrative control over the ArcGIS Server, severely compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability does not affect ArcGIS Enterprise on Kubernetes. As of the published date, no official fix or patch has been announced by Esri.
Potential Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability to overwrite sensitive files, potentially gaining full administrative access to the ArcGIS Server. This leads to a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict access to ArcGIS Server instances and monitor for suspicious activity related to path parameter manipulation.
CVE-2026-9181: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in Esri ArcGIS Server
Description
Esri ArcGIS Server contains a directory traversal vulnerability. ArcGIS Enterprise on Kubernetes is not impacted. An unauthenticated attacker could exploit this issue by sending crafted path parameters. Successful exploitation could allow overwriting sensitive files on the system. Abuse of this issue can allow full administrative access to ArcGIS Server, with high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This issue impacts all versions of ArcGIS Server on Windows and Linux 12.0 and prior. This issue does not impact ArcGIS Enterprise for Kubernetes.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.8critical
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-9181 is a critical directory traversal vulnerability in Esri ArcGIS Server (versions 12.0 and earlier) that allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit crafted path parameters to overwrite sensitive files on the system. Successful exploitation can result in full administrative control over the ArcGIS Server, severely compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability does not affect ArcGIS Enterprise on Kubernetes. As of the published date, no official fix or patch has been announced by Esri.
Potential Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability to overwrite sensitive files, potentially gaining full administrative access to the ArcGIS Server. This leads to a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict access to ArcGIS Server instances and monitor for suspicious activity related to path parameter manipulation.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Esri
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-21T14:53:07.920Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a4bfce927e9c7971910b4d1
Added to database: 07/06/2026, 19:07:21 UTC
Last enriched: 07/15/2026, 12:12:17 UTC
Last updated: 08/18/2026, 13:59:10 UTC
Views: 159
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