Description: Opening a specially crafted mxd file will execute arbitrary code without prompting and without a crash of the application. This is due to a flaw in the programs ability to prompt a user before executing embedded VBA. Mxd files are not filtered by email systems so this allows a remote attacker to trick a user into opening a map file via email and unknowingly gain control over their system. Versions affected (maybe more): ArcMap 9 ArcGIS Desktop 10 Release Version: 10.0 Product Version: 10.0.1.2800 ArcGIS Service Pack: 1 (build 10.0.1.2800) ArcGIS Desktop 10 Release Version: 10.0 Product Version: 10.0.2.3200 ArcGIS Service Pack: 2 (build 10.0.2.3200) Proof of concept: If the following macro is implemented in the project the Shell statements will be executed when the document is opened without prompt. Private Function MxDocument_OpenDocument() As Boolean Shell "calc.exe", vbNormalFocus Shell "cmd /c start http://www.cs.umb.edu/~joecohen/exploits/CVE-2012-1661.htm", vbNormalFocus End Function Video at site: http://www.cs.umb.edu/~joecohen/exploits/CVE-2012-1661