CVE-2017-14008 in Centricity PACS RA1000
Summary
by MITRE
GE Centricity PACS RA1000, diagnostic image analysis, all current versions are affected these devices use default or hard-coded credentials. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may allow a remote attacker to bypass authentication and gain access to the affected devices.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2021
The CVE-2017-14008 vulnerability affects GE Centricity PACS RA1000 diagnostic image analysis devices, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that has significant implications for healthcare information security. This vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of device security measures, specifically the use of default or hard-coded credentials that persist across all current versions of the affected hardware. The RA1000 series devices are designed for medical imaging and diagnostic analysis within healthcare environments, making them prime targets for cyber threats that could compromise patient data and medical imaging systems. The presence of default credentials indicates a fundamental failure in secure configuration practices, where manufacturers failed to adequately address authentication security during device deployment and maintenance cycles.
The technical flaw manifests through the device's inability to properly enforce authentication mechanisms, allowing unauthorized remote access through pre-configured username and password combinations that remain unchanged throughout the device lifecycle. This vulnerability operates at the authentication layer and aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software applications and systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness without requiring any specialized tools or advanced techniques, simply by leveraging the known default credentials to establish unauthorized administrative access. The remote nature of the exploitation means that threat actors can target these devices from external networks without requiring physical access or prior network infiltration, making the attack surface significantly broader than traditional local access vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14008 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within healthcare environments. Once an attacker gains access to the RA1000 device, they can potentially manipulate medical imaging data, alter diagnostic records, or even disrupt critical healthcare operations. The vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers can use the compromised device as a foothold for further lateral movement within hospital networks. Healthcare organizations that deploy these devices face significant risks including patient privacy violations under HIPAA regulations, potential medical malpractice scenarios due to altered diagnostic data, and operational disruptions that could impact patient care delivery.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14008 should prioritize immediate credential changes and network segmentation approaches to limit access to these critical devices. Organizations must implement comprehensive device management policies that ensure default credentials are immediately changed upon device deployment, with strong authentication mechanisms enforced through secure password policies. Network administrators should consider implementing firewalls and access control lists that restrict remote access to these devices to only authorized personnel and systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-40 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards, which emphasize the need for secure configuration management and regular security assessments. Additionally, organizations should establish continuous monitoring protocols to detect unauthorized access attempts and maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes that include regular firmware updates and security patches to address known weaknesses in medical device infrastructure.