CVE-2025-3941 in Niagara Framework
Summary
by MITRE • 05/22/2025
Improper Handling of Windows ::DATA Alternate Data Stream vulnerability in Tridium Niagara Framework on Windows, Tridium Niagara Enterprise Security on Windows allows Input Data Manipulation. This issue affects Niagara Framework: before 4.14.2, before 4.15.1, before 4.10.11; Niagara Enterprise Security: before 4.14.2, before 4.15.1, before 4.10.11.Tridium recommends upgrading to Niagara Framework and Enterprise Security versions 4.14.2u2, 4.15.u1, or 4.10u.11.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2025-3941 represents a critical security flaw in the Tridium Niagara Framework and Enterprise Security platforms running on Windows operating systems. This issue specifically concerns the improper handling of Windows alternate data streams, particularly the ::DATA stream which is a feature of the NTFS file system that allows multiple data streams to be associated with a single file. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation and sanitization of input data that can manipulate these alternate data streams, potentially allowing malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted file inputs that leverage Windows NTFS functionality.
The technical flaw manifests in how the Niagara Framework processes file inputs that contain Windows alternate data streams. When the system encounters files with ::DATA or similar alternate stream names, the improper handling allows for potential code execution or data manipulation attacks. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages native Windows file system capabilities that are often overlooked in security assessments and application input validation processes. The flaw can be exploited by attackers who craft malicious files containing alternate data streams that bypass normal security controls and are subsequently processed by the Niagara Framework.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for industrial control systems and building automation environments that rely on Tridium Niagara Framework. The affected versions include multiple release streams that span from the 4.10.x series through 4.15.x versions, indicating a broad attack surface across different deployment scenarios. Organizations using these frameworks in critical infrastructure environments face potential unauthorized access, data manipulation, and system compromise risks that could affect operational technology networks. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to denial of service conditions, unauthorized data access, or even system takeover scenarios within the Niagara environment.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to specific patched versions of both Niagara Framework and Enterprise Security as outlined by Tridium. The suggested versions 4.14.2u2, 4.15.1, and 4.10.11 represent targeted fixes that address the alternate data stream handling issues. Organizations should prioritize this upgrade process while maintaining proper change management procedures to ensure system stability. Security teams should also implement additional monitoring for unusual file system activities and alternate stream usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path) classifications, demonstrating how improper input validation can lead to file system manipulation attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1070 (Indicator Removal on Host) techniques, as exploitation could enable command execution and subsequent cleanup of evidence. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, file system monitoring, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of this and similar alternate data stream vulnerabilities in their industrial control environments.