CVE-2015-3955 in LifeCare PCA Infusion System
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Hospira LifeCare PCA Infusion System 5.0 and earlier, and possibly other versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2019
The CVE-2015-3955 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting Hospira LifeCare PCA Infusion System version 5.0 and earlier implementations. This medical device vulnerability resides within the software architecture of patient-controlled analgesia systems that deliver precise medication dosages to patients in clinical environments. The flaw manifests as a classic buffer overflow condition where insufficient input validation permits attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's remote exploitability indicates that attackers can trigger the overflow through network-based attacks without requiring physical access to the device, making it particularly concerning in healthcare settings where such systems operate continuously and often remain connected to hospital networks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the system's data processing routines, specifically when handling incoming network requests or data inputs from external sources. According to CWE-121, this classification describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack memory, potentially corrupting program execution flow. The flaw likely occurs in functions processing configuration data, user inputs, or communication protocols that interface with the device's control systems. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could manipulate the device's operational parameters, potentially causing dangerous medication delivery errors or complete system compromise, which directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1499.004 for endpoint denial of service. The attack surface expands due to the device's network connectivity, enabling exploitation from external networks without physical proximity.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3955 extends beyond simple system compromise to potentially life-threatening scenarios within healthcare environments. Medical devices running vulnerable versions of the Hospira LifeCare PCA system could be manipulated to deliver incorrect dosages, pause medication delivery, or exhibit erratic behavior that directly affects patient safety. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers could potentially compromise multiple devices within a hospital network simultaneously, creating cascading failures that impact patient care delivery. This vulnerability specifically targets the integrity of medical device communications and control systems, which aligns with the NIST SP 800-82 guidelines for industrial control systems security. Healthcare organizations face significant regulatory implications under HIPAA and FDA requirements when such vulnerabilities exist in medical devices, as they represent potential breaches of patient safety protocols and data integrity. The attack could result in unauthorized access to patient medication records, manipulation of treatment protocols, or complete device takeover that disrupts critical care operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3955 require immediate action to update affected systems to patched versions of the Hospira LifeCare PCA Infusion System software. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate critical medical devices from general hospital networks, applying firewall rules to restrict communication to only authorized endpoints. The implementation of network monitoring solutions can help detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other medical devices. Device hardening practices including disabling unnecessary network services, implementing secure remote access protocols, and maintaining detailed audit logs of system activities provide additional protective layers. According to the IEC 62443 standard for industrial automation and control systems security, organizations must establish robust security management processes that include vulnerability assessment, incident response planning, and continuous monitoring. Regular security awareness training for healthcare IT staff and clinical personnel ensures proper handling of medical device security updates, while maintaining current threat intelligence feeds helps identify emerging exploitation patterns targeting healthcare infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the critical need for medical device manufacturers to implement secure coding practices and provide timely security updates for deployed systems.