CVE-2016-6272 in MyChart
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in EPIC MyChart allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the topic parameter to help.asp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2024
The CVE-2016-6272 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the EPIC MyChart patient portal system, which is widely deployed in healthcare organizations for managing patient medical records and appointments. This vulnerability specifically affects the help.asp web page component where user input is improperly handled, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through the topic parameter. The flaw exists in the application's input validation mechanisms, where user-supplied data flows directly into SQL command construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a serious weakness in software applications that process database queries. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive patient data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the affected system. The impact is particularly severe in healthcare environments where patient privacy and data integrity are paramount, as this vulnerability could lead to breaches of protected health information under HIPAA regulations.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2016-6272 occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input for the topic parameter in the help.asp URL, which then gets incorporated into backend SQL queries without proper input validation. Attackers can construct SQL payloads that manipulate the query execution flow, potentially allowing them to extract database schema information, access unauthorized user accounts, or execute administrative commands on the database server. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input sanitization and improper use of dynamic SQL construction, which are fundamental security misconfigurations that violate secure coding practices. This flaw represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and input validation, as the application fails to properly validate or escape user input before incorporating it into database operations. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that the vulnerability is accessible through a help page, which typically receives legitimate user traffic, making the exploitation less conspicuous and more difficult to detect through network monitoring.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate data compromise to encompass broader security implications for healthcare organizations. Patient records containing sensitive medical information, personal identifiers, and treatment histories become vulnerable to unauthorized access, potentially leading to identity theft, medical fraud, or blackmail scenarios. The breach could result in significant financial penalties under HIPAA enforcement actions, with potential fines reaching millions of dollars depending on the scope of data compromised. Organizations may face regulatory investigations, legal proceedings, and reputational damage that could persist for years following the incident. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access within the network through the compromised MyChart system, potentially enabling lateral movement to other connected systems or databases. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 for exploit public-facing application, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and sophisticated threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6272 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, ensuring all user inputs are properly sanitized before database processing. The most effective immediate fix involves updating the help.asp component to use prepared statements or parameterized queries instead of dynamic SQL construction. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable web applications, while comprehensive logging and monitoring should be deployed to detect anomalous database access patterns. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities across the entire application portfolio. Additionally, organizations should establish robust patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain compliance with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the need for continuous security awareness training for development teams to prevent similar issues in future application releases.