CVE-2017-11578 in Device
Summary
by MITRE
It was discovered as a part of the research on IoT devices in the most recent firmware for Blipcare device that the device allows to connect to web management interface on a non-SSL connection using plain text HTTP protocol. The user uses the web management interface of the device to provide the user's Wi-Fi credentials so that the device can connect to it and have Internet access. This device acts as a Wireless Blood pressure monitor and is used to measure blood pressure levels of a person. This allows an attacker who is connected to the Blipcare's device wireless network to easily sniff these values using a MITM attack.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11578 represents a critical security flaw in Blipcare IoT devices that exposes sensitive patient health information through unencrypted communication channels. This weakness specifically affects the device's web management interface which operates over plain text HTTP protocol instead of secure HTTPS, creating an exploitable attack vector for man-in-the-middle adversaries. The device in question functions as a wireless blood pressure monitor designed for personal health monitoring, making the exposure of transmitted data particularly concerning from both privacy and security perspectives.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the device's failure to enforce encrypted communication for administrative functions, particularly when users input their Wi-Fi credentials through the web interface. This design decision violates fundamental security principles for IoT devices and creates a persistent vulnerability that remains active during the device's operational lifecycle. The absence of SSL/TLS encryption means that all data transmitted between the user and the device's management interface travels in clear text, including sensitive authentication credentials and potentially personal health information. This configuration directly maps to CWE-319 - Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information, which specifically addresses the exposure of confidential data through unencrypted communication channels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers positioned within the device's wireless network to conduct successful MITM attacks and capture transmitted data. The nature of the Blipcare device as a personal health monitoring system means that the compromised information includes not only network credentials but potentially sensitive medical data that could be used for identity theft, insurance fraud, or other malicious activities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the device's network configuration, potentially leading to further network compromise or data exfiltration. The attack surface is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, making it attractive to threat actors with varying skill levels.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate IoT devices from critical infrastructure, deployment of network monitoring tools to detect unusual traffic patterns, and consideration of device firmware updates if available. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of applying the principle of least privilege in IoT deployments, where administrative interfaces should never operate over unencrypted protocols. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other IoT devices within their environment. This case highlights the necessity for IoT manufacturers to incorporate security by design principles and adhere to industry standards such as NIST SP 800-125 for secure IoT device development, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's IoT security considerations. The vulnerability serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly benign devices can pose significant security risks when proper encryption and authentication mechanisms are not implemented.