CVE-2007-6756 in Defibrillator
Summary
by MITRE
ZOLL Defibrillator / Monitor M Series, E Series, and R Series have a default password for System Configuration mode, which allows physically proximate attackers to modify device configuration and cause a denial of service (adverse human health effects).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2022
The CVE-2007-6756 vulnerability affects ZOLL Defibrillator devices across multiple series including M, E, and R models, presenting a critical security flaw that undermines patient safety and medical device integrity. This vulnerability stems from the implementation of a hardcoded default password within the System Configuration mode of these life-critical medical devices, creating an exploitable weakness that can be remotely accessed by attackers with physical proximity to the equipment. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in secure device design and authentication mechanisms, where manufacturers failed to implement proper access controls or secure password management protocols.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows attackers with physical access to the defibrillator equipment to bypass authentication mechanisms through the predetermined default password, enabling unauthorized modification of critical device configurations. This access point creates a pathway for malicious actors to alter essential medical device parameters, potentially leading to incorrect defibrillation protocols, altered monitoring settings, or complete system disruption. The configuration changes can result in adverse human health effects, as the device may fail to deliver proper electrical shock levels or misinterpret patient cardiac rhythms, directly impacting life-saving medical interventions during emergency situations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally compromises the reliability and safety of medical devices that are critical for emergency medical response. Healthcare facilities operating these devices face significant risks including potential patient harm, legal liability, and regulatory non-compliance issues. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, making it accessible to attackers with basic physical proximity to the equipment. The potential for denial of service through configuration manipulation can result in critical delays or failures during cardiac arrest emergencies, where every second counts for patient survival.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hardcoded credentials, and represents a clear violation of security best practices for medical device development. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1210, which covers exploitation of remote services through default credentials, highlighting the need for proper access control implementation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access, regular security assessments of medical devices, and establishment of proper credential management protocols. The vulnerability underscores the importance of applying security by design principles to medical devices and demonstrates the critical need for robust authentication mechanisms in healthcare technology environments where device integrity directly impacts patient outcomes.