CVE-2025-6438 is an XML External Entity (XXE) injection vulnerability classified under CWE-611, found in Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure IT Data Center Expert version 8.3. The vulnerability arises from improper restriction of XML external entity references in the SOAP API interface, which processes XML payloads. An attacker with an application-level account and network access can craft malicious XML requests that manipulate external entity references, enabling unauthorized access to files on the server hosting the application. This can lead to disclosure of sensitive configuration files or other critical data stored on the server. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require authentication with an application account, which implies a higher privilege level. The CVSS 4.0 score of 5.9 reflects a medium severity, considering the network attack vector, low attack complexity, and the requirement for privileges. The vulnerability is currently published but without known exploits in the wild, indicating the need for proactive mitigation. The lack of a patch link suggests that a fix may still be pending or in development. Given the role of EcoStruxure IT Data Center Expert in managing data center infrastructure, exploitation could compromise operational integrity or confidentiality of managed environments.

For European organizations, especially those managing critical data centers or infrastructure with Schneider Electric EcoStruxure IT Data Center Expert, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized disclosure of sensitive files and configuration data. Such exposure could facilitate further attacks, including lateral movement or disruption of data center operations. The impact on confidentiality is significant, while availability and integrity impacts are less direct but possible if attackers leverage disclosed information for subsequent attacks. Organizations in sectors like energy, manufacturing, and telecommunications that rely on Schneider Electric solutions may face operational risks and regulatory compliance issues, particularly under GDPR if personal or sensitive data is exposed. The medium severity rating suggests a moderate but actionable threat, emphasizing the importance of controlling access to the SOAP API and monitoring for suspicious XML traffic. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially given the strategic importance of data center management platforms in Europe’s digital infrastructure.

1. Restrict network access to the EcoStruxure IT Data Center Expert SOAP API to trusted management networks only, using firewalls and network segmentation. 2. Enforce strict authentication and authorization controls on application accounts, minimizing privileges to only those necessary for operation. 3. Monitor logs and network traffic for anomalous XML payloads or unusual SOAP API requests indicative of XXE exploitation attempts. 4. Implement XML parser configurations that disable external entity resolution if configurable within the application or underlying platform. 5. Maintain an inventory of affected versions and apply vendor patches promptly once available; engage Schneider Electric support for timelines and interim mitigations. 6. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on XML processing components. 7. Educate administrators on the risks of XXE and the importance of safeguarding application credentials. 8. Consider deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block XXE payload patterns targeting SOAP APIs.