Critical Vulnerabilities in Rockwell Automation DataMosaix: Ensure Your ICS Security

Attention Windows enthusiasts and IT pros! If you're orchestrating operations leveraging industrial control systems, especially in manufacturing, this latest report on vulnerabilities in the Rockwell Automation DataMosaix Private Cloud should have your full attention. Here’s the scoop: Two significant vulnerabilities have been identified in this widely utilized platform, and while they may not directly impact home Windows PCs, there's plenty to learn here when we talk about patching, cybersecurity best practices, and why keeping up with updates is vital.
Let’s break down the juicy technical details, what this means for critical infrastructure, and what can be done to mitigate risks.

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Executive Summary: What’s Happening?​

In a chilling discovery, the Rockwell Automation DataMosaix Private Cloud, a major player in industrial control systems (ICS), has been found susceptible to two vulnerabilities:

• CVE-2024-11932 - A classic case of path traversal, leading to potential sensitive data exposure.
• CVE-2020-11656 - A dependency issue in its SQLite database with a use-after-free vulnerability.

Here are the critical points about these threats:

• CVSS v4 Rating: 9.3/10 – Severe.
• These vulnerabilities are easily exploitable, potentially allowing attackers to compromise reports and overwrite sensitive user projects.
• Particularly worrying, one of these flaws relates to an exposed third-party SQLite implementation—a reminder of how dependencies can become a ticking time bomb.

Many of the affected systems support essential manufacturing operations, so any disruption could cascade into wider industrial impacts.

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Affected Systems: Are You in the Danger Zone?​

Rockwell Automation reports the following versions of DataMosaix Private Cloud are impacted:

• Version 7.11 and earlier are affected by CVE-2025-0659.
• Version 7.09 and earlier are vulnerable to CVE-2020-11656, stemming from the SQLite dependency issue.

If you’ve incorporated this platform for edge computing in your infrastructure, the risks demand immediate attention.

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Vulnerability Breakdown: The Nitty-Gritty​

Let’s shine a light on the two primary vulnerabilities that make this newsworthy:

1. Path Traversal Attack aka CVE-2024-11932​

• The Issue: A clever adversary could exploit file paths within APIs/endpoints to access files outside the scope of what the system should allow. Think of this like a burglar finding a breached door to snoop around all your private files.
• Impact: Reports and even user projects could be overwritten by admin-privileged attackers.
• Severity:
• CVSS v3.1: 5.5, medium severity if you're strictly limiting access to high-privilege users.
• CVSS v4.0: 7.0, waking up the risk severity significantly.

2. SQLITE Dependency Flaw aka CVE-2020-11656​

• What Went Wrong?: An unresolved "use-after-free" vulnerability in SQLite’s table alteration functions can be exploited through malicious queries. This isn’t your friendly SQL mistake—it threatens your ICS databases with total corruption or manipulation.
• Severity Levels:
• CVSS v3.1: 9.8, a critical red flag due to zero prerequisites for privilege access.
• CVSS v4.0: 9.3, highlighting how modern rating systems evaluate evolving threats.

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Why Should Windows Users Care About ICS Threats?​

Even if you aren’t running critical manufacturing directly, this advisory emphasizes the domino effect of overlooked vulnerabilities, especially in dependencies. Think about all the third-party services, DLLs, and drivers running behind the scenes on your system. Now imagine one of those wheels falling off during operation—yeah, scary stuff.
For example:

• If SQLite’s library flaw ends up bleeding into an app you use on Windows, your software’s stability and security might be at risk.
• Many third-party and industrial apps are managed over Windows servers, which could become attack vectors.

It also teaches an important lesson about updating software promptly—not just Microsoft updates but also ecosystem components installed on your machines.

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Global Implications: Why This Affects Critical Infrastructure​

This isn’t about just company data. Rockwell products play vital roles in Critical Manufacturing industries like energy, healthcare systems, and food processing. Attacks on such systems could literally stop assembly lines, damage public safety, or even escalate national security risks. It's a poignant example of why ICS solutions should always include robust security layers.

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🛡 Rocky Mitigation Talks: What Can Be Done?​

For Rockwell Automation Users:​

• Patch it! Update your DataMosaix Private Cloud to v7.11.01 or higher. This fixed version patches both vulnerabilities and hardens the system’s attack surface.
• Rockwell’s Trust Center: Leverage its specialized Security Best Practices tailored to ICS environments.
• Focus on isolating cloud and operational tech (OT) systems from external connections for maximum containment.

For Everyone Else Dealing with Security Threats:​

• Minimize Exposure: Don’t give unnecessary devices direct access to the internet.
• Layer Up Security: Firewalls around industrial or control networks are non-negotiable.
• Use a VPN: But only as reliable as the devices using them—always stay updated.
• Cybersecurity Audits: Regularly sweep through devices for suspicious activity.

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Lessons for Microsoft and Windows Users​

From kernel updates to patches for Microsoft SQL Server, Windows engineers know well how dependencies have outsized effects. The SQLite vulnerability is a textbook reminder that shared libraries are not passive sidekicks—they can sink entire ecosystems if not updated or sandboxed.
Likewise:

• Windows Admins maintaining Rockwell-type backend servers should inquire about any vendor-run patching schemes.
• IT teams should refactor older systems still reliant on default SQLite libraries.

Side Note:​

This entire fiasco could be Microsoft’s nudge to focus on improving collaboration tools between Azure-based environments and ICS systems to further harden OT operations against remote attacks.

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⚙ Governing Cybersecurity: CISA's Final Note​

As always, CISA’s recommendations echo across cybersecurity teams like trusted advice from a protective big sibling:

• Evaluate risks carefully before patch deployment.
• Implement defense-in-depth strategies.
• Isolate risky ICS devices at all costs.
• Proactively combat social engineering, which is often the easiest way into a network.

Systems that rely on human-free interactions (like ICS) can survive software flaws, but the moment an admin clicks a phishing link? Down the rabbit hole they go.

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Final Thoughts​

While these vulnerabilities won’t compromise your home computer directly, ICS and dependency-based attacks often create precedents for what attacks could look like in wider environments. For Windows users managing infrastructure systems or edge clouds on Microsoft servers, this advisory is your reminder: Watch those third-party tools, sandbox them when possible, and patch with prejudice!
Are you managing solutions for Rockwell automation systems or thinking through Windows infrastructure security for global industry applications? Let us know on WindowsForum.com—your network may benefit from the conversation.
Because, as always, when it comes to patches and vulnerabilities—the devil is in the (overlooked-by-someone-else) details.

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Source: CISA Rockwell Automation DataMosaix Private Cloud | CISA