CVE-2015-2901 in MEDCIN Engine
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in Medicomp MEDCIN Engine 2.22.20142.166 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted packet on port 8190, related to (1) the GetProperty info_getproperty function and (2) the GetProperty UdfCodeList function.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2901 represents a critical security flaw in the Medicomp MEDCIN Engine version 2.22.20142.166, which operates as a medical device communication protocol handler. This vulnerability manifests as multiple stack-based buffer overflows that occur when the system processes specially crafted network packets transmitted over port 8190. The affected functions include both the GetProperty info_getproperty function and the GetProperty UdfCodeList function, which are integral components of the engine's data processing pipeline. These buffer overflow conditions create exploitable conditions that could potentially allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, presenting a significant risk to healthcare network security.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the MEDCIN Engine's protocol handling mechanisms. When network packets containing malformed data are received on port 8190, the engine fails to properly bounds-check the incoming data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. This lack of proper boundary checking creates opportunities for attackers to overflow these buffers and overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and function pointers. The CWE-121 classification applies here as the vulnerability involves stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient space is allocated for data, allowing attackers to overwrite stack memory and control program execution flow. The attack vector requires network access to port 8190, making it remotely exploitable without authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it could compromise the integrity and availability of critical medical device communications. In healthcare environments, the MEDCIN Engine likely facilitates communication between various medical devices and central monitoring systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to medical device networks, potentially leading to patient data breaches, device manipulation, or service disruption. The ATT&CK framework classification would place this under initial access and execution tactics, specifically leveraging network protocols and remote code execution capabilities. Organizations utilizing this software in clinical settings face potential regulatory compliance issues under HIPAA and other healthcare privacy regulations, as the vulnerability could expose sensitive patient information and compromise medical device security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate software updates from Medicomp to address the buffer overflow conditions in both affected functions. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to port 8190, limiting exposure to authorized personnel only. Regular network monitoring should be deployed to detect anomalous packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify traffic patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts. Additionally, conducting comprehensive security assessments of medical device networks will help identify other potentially vulnerable systems that might share similar architectural flaws. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in medical device software development and underscores the need for regular security audits of healthcare technology infrastructure to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.