CVE-2014-5421 in Pyxis SupplyStation
Summary
by MITRE
CareFusion Pyxis SupplyStation 8.1 with hardware test tool 1.0.16 and earlier has a hardcoded database password, which makes it easier for local users to gain privileges by leveraging cabinet access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5421 affects CareFusion Pyxis SupplyStation 8.1 systems that utilize hardware test tool version 1.0.16 or earlier. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the system's authentication mechanisms through the use of a hardcoded database password. The vulnerability specifically targets the database access layer of the medication management system, which is designed to control access to pharmaceutical inventory and related administrative functions within healthcare facilities. The presence of a hardcoded credential creates an inherent weakness that bypasses normal authentication procedures and provides unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of authentication credentials within the system's database connection configuration. A hardcoded password means that the database access credentials are embedded directly within the software code or configuration files rather than being dynamically generated or securely managed through proper credential management practices. This approach violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, which emphasize the importance of avoiding hardcoded credentials in applications. The vulnerability allows local users who have physical access to the system to exploit this weakness and gain elevated privileges, effectively bypassing the normal access control mechanisms that should protect sensitive pharmaceutical inventory data and system administration functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential compromise of patient safety and regulatory compliance. Healthcare organizations using affected systems face significant risks including unauthorized modification of medication inventory records, potential theft of controlled substances, and disruption of critical pharmaceutical management processes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in healthcare environments where strict regulatory requirements such as HIPAA and FDA regulations mandate robust security controls for medication management systems. Local users with cabinet access can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges and potentially gain full administrative control over the system, which could lead to data integrity issues, unauthorized medication dispensing, or complete system compromise. This weakness creates a pathway for both insider threats and external attackers who may gain physical access to the facility.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through patching and configuration updates. Organizations should upgrade to versions of the CareFusion Pyxis SupplyStation software that address this hardcoded credential issue and implement proper credential management practices. The solution involves removing hardcoded database passwords and implementing secure authentication mechanisms that utilize dynamic credential generation or secure configuration management tools. Security best practices recommend following the principle of least privilege and implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access to such critical systems. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar hardcoded credential vulnerabilities in other legacy systems and ensure proper network segmentation to limit the impact of potential compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded passwords, and represents a clear violation of ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through various means including hardcoded credentials.