CVE-2014-5422 in Pyxis SupplyStation
Summary
by MITRE
CareFusion Pyxis SupplyStation 8.1 with hardware test tool before 1.0.16 has a hardcoded service password, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5422 affects CareFusion Pyxis SupplyStation 8.1 systems that utilize the hardware test tool version prior to 1.0.16. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the device's authentication mechanisms and creates significant operational risks for healthcare organizations relying on these systems. The issue stems from the inclusion of a hardcoded service password within the firmware, which violates fundamental security principles of credential management and access control.
The technical flaw manifests as a hardcoded password that remains static across all affected devices, eliminating the possibility of dynamic credential generation or user-defined authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-798 category of using hardcoded credentials, which is classified as a high-risk security weakness that provides attackers with persistent access vectors. The hardcoded nature of the password means that any individual who discovers this credential can gain unauthorized access to the system's service interfaces, potentially compromising the entire device and its associated network resources. The unspecified attack vectors suggest that the vulnerability could be exploited through multiple entry points including network-based attacks, physical access scenarios, or through compromised legitimate access points.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates persistent backdoor opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate critical medical supply management systems. Healthcare organizations using these devices face significant risks including potential data breaches, system compromise, and disruption of patient care workflows. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where these systems are integrated with broader hospital networks, as the compromised device could serve as a foothold for lateral movement attacks targeting other connected systems. This aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation, where adversaries leverage hardcoded credentials to establish persistent access within network environments.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive remediation measures including immediate firmware updates to version 1.0.16 or later, which would address the hardcoded password issue through proper credential management implementation. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to limit access to these critical systems, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized access points exist. Additionally, organizations must conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other devices within their network that might contain similar hardcoded credential issues. The remediation process should also include implementing proper access control policies, regular credential rotation procedures, and enhanced monitoring of system access logs to detect any unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure development practices and the necessity of avoiding hardcoded credentials in production systems, particularly in healthcare environments where system integrity directly impacts patient safety and data security.