CVE-2014-5400 in MedNet
Summary
by MITRE
The installation component in Hospira MedNet before 6.1 places cleartext credentials in configuration files, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading a file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5400 affects the Hospira MedNet system version 6.1 and earlier, specifically within its installation component. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes sensitive authentication data through improper credential handling during the system deployment process. The issue stems from the installation routine's failure to properly secure authentication information, leading to the storage of cleartext credentials in configuration files that remain accessible to local system users. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles by exposing confidential information through readily accessible file systems.
The technical flaw manifests in the installation process where authentication credentials are stored in plain text format within configuration files rather than being encrypted or obfuscated. This design decision creates a persistent security risk as any local user with file system access can simply read these configuration files to obtain usernames, passwords, or other authentication tokens. The cleartext storage approach eliminates any form of access control or encryption protection, making the credentials immediately exploitable by unauthorized individuals who gain local system access. This flaw represents a classic case of improper credential storage and handling, which aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials).
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating significant risks for healthcare environments where Hospira MedNet systems are deployed. Local users with legitimate access to the system can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to other systems or services that rely on the same credentials, potentially enabling privilege escalation or lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's local nature means that it can be exploited by malicious insiders or attackers who have already gained local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share system resources. This weakness can facilitate broader security breaches and compromise the integrity of healthcare data systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5400 should prioritize immediate remediation through the deployment of Hospira MedNet version 6.1 or later, which addresses the credential storage issue. Organizations should also implement file system access controls to limit local user privileges and establish monitoring for unauthorized file access attempts. Security hardening measures including regular credential rotation, implementation of encrypted configuration files, and enforcement of principle of least privilege should be enforced. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following security best practices for credential management and highlights the need for secure coding practices that prevent cleartext storage of sensitive information. Organizations should also consider implementing privileged access management solutions to reduce the attack surface and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper credential handling and storage practices as outlined in security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards for information security management.