CVE-2012-1661Arcmap Code Injection
ESRI ArcMap 9 and ArcGIS 10.0.2.3200 and earlier does not properly prompt users before executing embedded VBA macros, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary VBA code via a crafted map (.mxd) file.
Published Jul 12, 2012 · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2012-1661 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.3 v2) affecting Arcmap (Esri).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 24% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Arcmap 10.0.2.3200.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v2
9.3
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
24%
Higher than 97.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
ATLAS score
39/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Not listed
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
Public exploit code
2
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
3
Reports of active use
Description
ESRI ArcMap 9 and ArcGIS 10.0.2.3200 and earlier does not properly prompt users before executing embedded VBA macros, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary VBA code via a crafted map (.mxd) file.
Affected Products
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| ArcmapEsri | See advisory | 10.0.2.3200 |
Patched Releases
Arcmap
10.0.2.3200
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jul 12, 2012
Last updated
Apr 28, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
References
- exploitcs.umb.edu · CVE-2012-1661
- exploitpacketstormsecurity.org · ESRI-ArcMap-Arbitrary-Code-Execution.html
- exploitExploitDB-19138
- exploit19138
- exploit1027170
FAQ
Common Questions.
ESRI ArcMap 9 and ArcGIS 10.0.2.3200 and earlier does not properly prompt users before executing embedded VBA macros, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary VBA code via a crafted map (.mxd) file.
Affected: Arcmap (Esri). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Arcmap 10.0.2.3200.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Is CVE-2012-1661 On Your Attack Surface?
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