CVE-2019-9011 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2019-9011 is a vulnerability that allows an attacker to discover legitimate usernames in Pilz PMC programming tool 3.x versions prior to 3.5.17, which is based on the CODESYS Development System.

Understanding CVE-2019-9011

What is CVE-2019-9011?

The vulnerability in Pilz PMC programming tool 3.x versions allows attackers to identify valid usernames, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

The Impact of CVE-2019-9011

This vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to the system, compromising sensitive information and potentially leading to further exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-9011

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the ability of an attacker to enumerate valid usernames within the Pilz PMC programming tool 3.x versions prior to 3.5.17.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Versions Affected: Pilz PMC programming tool 3.x versions prior to 3.5.17

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gather valid usernames, which can be used in subsequent attacks to gain unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to version 3.5.17 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement strong password policies to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit user accounts for any suspicious activity.
Conduct security training to educate users on best practices for protecting sensitive information.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Pilz for the PMC programming tool to address vulnerabilities promptly.