CVE-2022-46664 is a security vulnerability identified in Siemens' Mendix Workflow Commons module, specifically affecting all versions prior to V2.4.0, including V2.1 versions before V2.1.4 and V2.3 versions before V2.3.2. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-284, which pertains to improper access control. In this context, the affected Mendix Workflow Commons module improperly enforces access control policies on certain module entities. This flaw allows authenticated remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions, enabling them to read or delete sensitive information within the affected system. The vulnerability requires the attacker to be authenticated, which implies that exploitation is limited to users who have some level of access to the system, but the improper access control expands their privileges beyond what should be permitted. The vulnerability does not require additional user interaction beyond authentication, and no known exploits are currently reported in the wild. Mendix Workflow Commons is a component used in Siemens' Mendix low-code application development platform, which is widely used for building enterprise applications that may handle critical business workflows and sensitive data. Improper access control in such a module can lead to unauthorized data exposure or data loss, potentially impacting business operations and confidentiality of information processed by these applications.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially for those relying on Siemens Mendix Workflow Commons for critical business process automation and workflow management. Unauthorized reading of sensitive information can lead to data breaches involving personal data, intellectual property, or confidential business information, which could result in regulatory penalties under GDPR and damage to reputation. The ability to delete sensitive information could disrupt business operations, cause data integrity issues, and lead to loss of critical records. Since the vulnerability requires authentication, insider threats or compromised user credentials could be leveraged to exploit this flaw. Organizations in sectors such as manufacturing, industrial automation, healthcare, and finance that use Mendix-based applications may face operational disruptions and compliance risks. The medium severity rating reflects the balance between the requirement for authentication and the potential for significant data exposure or deletion. However, the absence of known exploits in the wild suggests that proactive patching and access control reviews can effectively mitigate risk before widespread exploitation occurs.

1. Immediate upgrade to Mendix Workflow Commons version 2.4.0 or later, or to the latest patched versions of 2.1 and 2.3 branches, to ensure the vulnerability is remediated. 2. Conduct a thorough audit of user roles and permissions within Mendix applications to ensure the principle of least privilege is enforced, minimizing the risk of privilege escalation through this vulnerability. 3. Implement strong authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), to reduce the risk of credential compromise that could enable exploitation. 4. Monitor application logs for unusual access patterns or unauthorized attempts to read or delete sensitive entities within Mendix workflows. 5. Review and tighten network segmentation and access controls to limit access to Mendix applications only to trusted users and systems. 6. Educate users with access to Mendix applications about the importance of credential security and recognizing phishing attempts that could lead to account compromise. 7. If patching is delayed, consider implementing compensating controls such as application-level access control checks or temporary restrictions on sensitive workflow modules until the update is applied.