CVE-2016-6531 in Open Dental
Summary
by MITRE
Open Dental 16.1 and earlier has a hardcoded MySQL root password, which allows remote attackers to obtain administrative access by leveraging access to intranet TCP port 3306. NOTE: the vendor disputes this issue, stating that the "vulnerability note ... is factually false ... there is indeed a default blank password, but it can be changed ... We recommend that users change it, each customer receives direction.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-6531 affects Open Dental software versions 16.1 and earlier, presenting a critical security weakness through a hardcoded MySQL root password configuration. This flaw exists within the database access layer of the dental practice management system, creating an unauthorized access vector that could be exploited by remote attackers with network connectivity to the affected system. The vulnerability specifically targets the MySQL database component that Open Dental utilizes for data storage and management, making it a significant concern for healthcare organizations that rely on this software for patient record management and practice operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the software's default configuration where the MySQL root account is provisioned with a hardcoded password rather than requiring administrator-defined credentials during installation. This design flaw allows any attacker who can reach the intranet TCP port 3306, which is the default MySQL port, to authenticate as the root user without needing additional authentication mechanisms or credential guessing attempts. The hardcoded nature of the password means that it remains constant across all installations, creating a universal attack surface that security researchers and malicious actors can easily exploit. This weakness directly maps to CWE-798, which categorizes the use of hardcoded credentials as a severe security vulnerability, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should never be implemented in production software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the database containing sensitive patient information, financial records, and practice management data. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the network or system, allowing for attacks from anywhere with network connectivity to the affected TCP port. This creates a substantial risk for healthcare organizations, as the database may contain protected health information subject to HIPAA regulations, making unauthorized access a potential compliance violation and security incident. The vulnerability's persistence across software versions means that organizations using Open Dental 16.1 or earlier remain at risk until the software is properly updated or patched, and the default database configuration is modified to use secure, randomized passwords.
While the vendor has disputed the severity of this issue, their acknowledgment that a default blank password exists and their recommendation to change it indicates that the vulnerability is real and requires immediate attention. The vendor's response highlights the importance of proper password management and system hardening practices, aligning with ATT&CK framework techniques that involve credential access and privilege escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to port 3306, implementing strong firewall rules, and ensuring that any default database passwords are changed during deployment. Additionally, this vulnerability underscores the necessity of regular security assessments and updates, as well as adherence to security standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53 for access control and system configuration management. The incident demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration oversights can create significant security risks, particularly in environments handling sensitive data, and emphasizes the critical need for proper software security testing and validation before deployment.