CVE-2014-5432 in SIGMA Spectrum Infusion System
Summary
by MITRE
Baxter SIGMA Spectrum Infusion System version 6.05 (model 35700BAX) with wireless battery module (WBM) version 16 is remotely accessible via Port 22/SSH without authentication. A remote attacker may be able to make unauthorized configuration changes to the WBM, as well as issue commands to access account credentials and shared keys. Baxter asserts that this vulnerability only allows access to features and functionality on the WBM and that the SIGMA Spectrum infusion pump cannot be controlled from the WBM. Baxter has released a new version of the SIGMA Spectrum Infusion System, Version 8, which incorporates hardware and software changes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2023
The CVE-2014-5432 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the Baxter SIGMA Spectrum Infusion System, specifically affecting version 6.05 with model 35700BAX and wireless battery module (WBM) version 16. This vulnerability stems from an insecure default configuration that leaves the wireless battery module accessible via SSH port 22 without any form of authentication. The flaw directly violates security principle of least privilege as defined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with CWE-259, which addresses weak password policies and authentication mechanisms. The WBM's exposure through unauthenticated SSH access creates a significant attack surface that allows unauthorized remote access to critical medical device components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the wireless battery module operating with default credentials or no credentials at all, enabling any remote attacker to establish an SSH connection and execute commands. This configuration allows attackers to modify WBM settings, potentially disrupting the wireless battery module's functionality and creating operational risks for the infusion system. According to the vendor's assessment, while the vulnerability is limited to WBM-specific access, it still provides attackers with the ability to retrieve account credentials and shared keys that could be used for further attacks within the network. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a credential access technique under T1075, where adversaries leverage weak authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access to systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates potential for more severe consequences in healthcare environments. Medical devices like the SIGMA Spectrum infusion pump are increasingly connected to hospital networks, making them targets for sophisticated attacks. The ability to access account credentials and shared keys could enable attackers to escalate privileges within the hospital's network infrastructure, potentially leading to broader system compromises. The vulnerability also represents a failure in the principle of defense in depth, as multiple layers of security should have been implemented to prevent unauthorized access to critical medical device components. This flaw could potentially allow attackers to disrupt medical device operations, compromise patient safety, or gain access to sensitive medical data.
Baxter's response to this vulnerability involved releasing Version 8 of the SIGMA Spectrum Infusion System, which incorporates both hardware and software modifications to address the security issue. This remediation approach demonstrates the importance of proper security patch management in medical device environments where vulnerabilities can have life-threatening consequences. The updated version likely includes mandatory authentication for SSH access, stronger credential management, and potentially hardware-level security features to prevent unauthorized access to the wireless battery module. Organizations should implement proper network segmentation to isolate medical devices from general network access, deploy network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized SSH connections, and ensure regular security updates are applied to all medical device systems. This vulnerability underscores the critical need for security by design in medical devices and highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures in healthcare environments where device security directly impacts patient safety.