CVE-2014-5406 in LifeCare PCA Infusion System
Summary
by MITRE
The Hospira LifeCare PCA Infusion System before 7.0 does not validate network traffic associated with sending a (1) drug library, (2) software update, or (3) configuration change, which allows remote attackers to modify settings or medication data via packets on the (a) TELNET, (b) HTTP, (c) HTTPS, or (d) UPNP port. NOTE: this issue might overlap CVE-2015-3459.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2025
The Hospira LifeCare PCA Infusion System represents a critical medical device used in patient-controlled analgesia applications where precise medication delivery is essential for patient safety. This system is designed to deliver pain medication through controlled infusion rates based on patient demand, making it a vital component in pain management protocols across healthcare facilities. The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-5406 affects versions prior to 7.0 and specifically targets the system's failure to properly validate network traffic during critical operations. The affected system operates on multiple network protocols including telnet, http, https, and upnp ports, creating multiple potential attack vectors that could compromise the integrity of patient care delivery.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of input validation and authentication mechanisms within the network communication channels. When the system receives packets related to drug library updates, software patches, or configuration changes, it fails to verify the authenticity or integrity of these network communications. This vulnerability stems from insufficient cryptographic validation and access control measures that should normally be implemented to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical medical device parameters. The absence of proper validation allows attackers to craft malicious packets that appear legitimate to the system's network interfaces, enabling them to inject false data or commands that modify the device's operational parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network security concerns into critical patient safety implications. Remote attackers could potentially modify drug libraries to include incorrect medication dosages, alter software configurations that affect infusion rates, or change system settings that could result in underdosing or overdosing patients. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the system is often deployed in hospital environments where network connectivity is essential for clinical operations. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability from remote locations, potentially compromising multiple devices simultaneously if network segmentation is inadequate. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate critical medical device functionality without requiring physical access to the equipment, representing a significant escalation from traditional network security threats to potential patient harm scenarios.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. The system's failure to validate network traffic represents a fundamental breakdown in security controls that should be implemented according to medical device security standards such as those defined in IEC 62401 and ISO 13485. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate critical medical devices from general network traffic, deploy network intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activity, and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place to upgrade to versions that address this vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should disable unnecessary network services, implement strong authentication mechanisms, and establish regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in medical device networks. The overlap with CVE-2015-3459 indicates that this represents a broader class of vulnerabilities affecting medical device security that requires comprehensive risk assessment and remediation strategies.