CVE-2016-6530 in CDR Dicom
Summary
by MITRE
Dentsply Sirona (formerly Schick) CDR Dicom 5 and earlier has default passwords for the sa and cdr accounts, which allows remote attackets to obtain administrative access by leveraging knowledge of these passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6530 affects Dentsply Sirona CDR Dicom 5 and earlier versions, representing a critical security flaw that stems from the improper configuration of default administrative credentials. This issue resides within medical imaging software commonly used in dental practices and healthcare facilities, where the system's security posture directly impacts patient data confidentiality and system integrity. The vulnerability is particularly concerning due to its remote exploitability and the sensitive nature of medical imaging data stored within these systems.
The technical flaw manifests through the inclusion of hard-coded default passwords for two critical accounts: the sa (system administrator) account and the cdr (clinical data repository) account. These default credentials are typically set during the initial installation process and are not changed by administrators, creating a persistent security weakness that remains exploitable throughout the system's operational lifecycle. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software, and represents a classic example of poor secure coding practices that leave systems vulnerable to unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with administrative privileges that can be leveraged to manipulate medical records, alter patient data, or even disrupt healthcare operations. In a healthcare environment, this could lead to serious consequences including patient safety risks, regulatory violations under HIPAA, and potential legal ramifications. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the facility, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere with internet connectivity. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through legitimate credentials.
The security implications of this vulnerability are compounded by the fact that medical imaging systems often contain highly sensitive patient information including personal health records, diagnostic images, and treatment histories. Attackers who gain administrative access can potentially modify or delete critical medical data, impersonate authorized users, or establish persistent backdoors within the healthcare network. The default credential issue creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the system is properly configured with unique, strong passwords. Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures including changing default passwords, implementing robust password policies, and conducting comprehensive security audits of their medical imaging infrastructure to address this vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.