OTPulse

Siemens Mendix Excel Importer Module

Monitor4.3ICS-CERT ICSA-21-131-09May 11, 2021
Attack VectorNetwork
Auth RequiredLow
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary

The Mendix Excel Importer module contains an information disclosure vulnerability (CWE-209) that allows an authenticated attacker to view sensitive information through the import mechanism. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 4.3 (medium) and affects versions prior to 9.0.3. No public exploits are known, and the vulnerability is not actively exploited in the wild.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker with valid Mendix credentials could access sensitive information from Excel import operations, such as database contents or configuration details exposed during file processing.
Who's at risk
This affects organizations running Siemens Mendix applications, which are low-code/no-code platforms commonly used to build custom applications in enterprise and operations technology environments. The Excel Importer module is used for data integration tasks. Any Mendix user with the ability to import Excel files into these applications is affected.
How it could be exploited
An attacker with legitimate access to the Mendix application (authenticated user on the network) can import a specially crafted Excel file that triggers the information disclosure vulnerability, exposing sensitive data through error messages or logs accessible to the attacker.
Prerequisites
  • <parameter name="item">Network access to the Mendix application
<parameter name="item">Requires valid credentials (authenticated access required)
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.2%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Mendix Excel Importer Module<V9.0.39.0.3
Remediation & Mitigation

Mendix has released an update for the Mendix Excel Importer module and recommends user update to v9.0.3 or a later version. As a general security measure, Siemens strongly recommends users protect network access to devices with appropriate mechanisms. In order to operate the devices in a protected IT environment, Siemens recommends users configure the environment according to Siemens' operational guidelines for industrial security, and follow the recommendations in the product manual. Additional information on industrial security by Siemens can be found at: https://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity For more information about this issue, please see Siemens security advisory SSA-854248 CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability. Specifically, users should: Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, and ensure that they are not accessible from the Internet. Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls, and isolate them from the business network. When remote access is required, use secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), recognizing VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize VPN is only as secure as its connected devices. CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures. CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on us-cert.cisa.gov. Several recommended practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies. Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage on us-cert.cisa.gov in the Technical Information Paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B--Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies. Organizations observing any suspected malicious activity should follow their established internal procedures and report their findings to CISA for tracking and correlation against other incidents. No known public exploits specifically target this vulnerability.

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Siemens Mendix Excel Importer Module | CVSS 4.3 - OTPulse