CVE-2014-5405 in MedNet
Summary
by MITRE
Hospira MedNet before 6.1 uses a hardcoded cleartext password to control SQL database authorization, which allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions by leveraging knowledge of this password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5405 affects Hospira MedNet versions prior to 6.1, presenting a critical security flaw in the medical device software that controls SQL database authorization. This issue stems from the implementation of a hardcoded cleartext password within the application's database access mechanism, creating a fundamental weakness in the system's authentication architecture. The flaw represents a significant deviation from security best practices and industry standards such as those outlined in CWE-259, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded passwords, and CWE-798, which covers the use of hard-coded credentials. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where database access controls are implemented, making it particularly dangerous given the sensitive nature of medical data typically stored in such systems.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions by leveraging knowledge of the hardcoded password, which is embedded within the application code itself. This means that any individual who can authenticate to the system and discovers this password can gain unauthorized access to the underlying SQL database without proper authorization. The cleartext nature of the password makes it easily extractable through reverse engineering or code analysis, further amplifying the risk. This weakness operates under the ATT&CK framework as a credential access technique, specifically falling under the category of "Hardcoded Credentials" where adversaries can exploit embedded authentication information. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security design principles and violates the principle of least privilege, as the hardcoded password provides elevated access to database resources that should be restricted to authorized personnel only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized database access, as it creates a pathway for potential data breaches within healthcare environments that are already subject to stringent compliance requirements. Medical devices running affected versions of Hospira MedNet could expose patient health information, treatment records, and other sensitive data to unauthorized individuals who possess the hardcoded password. This risk is particularly concerning in healthcare settings where HIPAA compliance and other regulatory requirements mandate strict controls over patient data access. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor that bypasses the normal authentication mechanisms, allowing attackers to access not just the database but potentially sensitive medical information that could be used for identity theft, insurance fraud, or other malicious activities. Organizations using this software face significant risk of regulatory penalties and reputational damage if such vulnerabilities are exploited.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to update affected systems to Hospira MedNet version 6.1 or later, which addresses the hardcoded password issue through proper credential management. Organizations should implement comprehensive credential rotation procedures and ensure that all database access credentials are dynamically generated and managed through secure authentication systems rather than embedded within application code. The remediation process should include thorough code reviews to identify any additional hardcoded credentials or security flaws within the application. Security teams must also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit database access to only authorized systems and users. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar issues in other medical devices and systems. The fix aligns with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 controls for access control and system and information integrity, ensuring that the solution addresses both the immediate vulnerability and broader security posture improvements. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be implemented to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.