CVE-2014-5433 in SIGMA Spectrum Infusion System
Summary
by MITRE
An unauthenticated remote attacker may be able to execute commands to view wireless account credentials that are stored in cleartext on Baxter SIGMA Spectrum Infusion System version 6.05 (model 35700BAX) with wireless battery module (WBM) version 16, which may allow an attacker to gain access the host network. 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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5433 represents a critical security flaw in Baxter's SIGMA Spectrum Infusion System, specifically affecting version 6.05 of the software running on model 35700BAX devices equipped with wireless battery modules version 16. This issue stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms that allow unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The flaw specifically targets the storage of wireless account credentials in cleartext format, creating a significant exposure point that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to host networks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the system's lack of proper access controls to retrieve sensitive network authentication information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the system's failure to properly validate user authentication before allowing command execution. When wireless credentials are stored in cleartext within the system's memory or configuration files, they become immediately accessible to any remote attacker who can establish communication with the device. This represents a direct violation of security principles and aligns with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal authentication procedures and directly access the wireless network credentials that are essential for network connectivity and access. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no prior authentication, making it accessible to anyone with network access to the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway to compromise entire host networks. Once wireless credentials are obtained, malicious actors can establish persistent network connections to the host infrastructure, potentially enabling further attacks including lateral movement, data exfiltration, and network reconnaissance. The vulnerability affects medical infusion systems in healthcare environments where patient safety and data security are paramount, making the potential consequences particularly severe. This flaw could enable attackers to disrupt critical medical services, access sensitive patient information, or even manipulate infusion therapy delivery. The attack could be classified under MITRE ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service scanning to identify vulnerable systems.
The affected Baxter SIGMA Spectrum Infusion System represents a specialized medical device that requires robust security controls due to its role in patient care. The vulnerability exposes a critical gap in the device's security architecture, particularly in how it handles authentication and credential storage. The wireless battery module version 16 specifically contains the flaw, indicating that the issue was introduced in a particular hardware revision. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure credential management in embedded systems and medical devices, where the compromise of network access can have life-threatening consequences. The fact that Baxter has released Version 8 with hardware and software changes demonstrates that the company recognized the severity of the issue and implemented appropriate remediation measures. Organizations using these systems should prioritize immediate upgrade to the patched version and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. The vulnerability also underscores the need for proper security testing and validation of medical devices before deployment in critical environments, particularly given the increasing integration of network connectivity in healthcare equipment.