CVE-2017-14012 in ZOOM LATITUDE PRM Model 3120
Summary
by MITRE
Boston Scientific ZOOM LATITUDE PRM Model 3120 does not encrypt PHI at rest. CVSS v3 base score: 4.6; CVSS vector string: AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2020
The Boston Scientific ZOOM LATITUDE PRM Model 3120 represents a critical medical device vulnerability that exposes protected health information to unauthorized access through inadequate data protection measures. This implantable cardiac rhythm management device, designed for patients requiring cardiac pacing therapy, fails to implement encryption for data stored at rest within its memory systems. The vulnerability manifests as a fundamental security flaw in the device's architecture where sensitive patient information including cardiac rhythm data, device settings, and personal health records remain unencrypted and accessible to anyone with physical access to the device. The CVSS v3 score of 4.6 indicates a medium severity risk with the vector AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N, emphasizing that the attack requires physical proximity but no specialized privileges or user interaction, while the high confidentiality impact reflects the sensitive nature of the exposed data.
The technical flaw stems from the device's failure to implement industry-standard encryption protocols for data at rest, which violates fundamental security principles established in cybersecurity frameworks such as those outlined in CWE-311 - Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data. This vulnerability creates a pathway for adversaries with physical access to the device to extract and potentially misuse patient information without requiring authentication or specialized tools. The device's memory storage contains not only personal identifying information but also critical medical data that could be exploited for identity theft, insurance fraud, or other malicious activities. The lack of encryption at rest means that even if other security measures are in place, such as network-based authentication or access controls, the data stored within the device's memory remains unprotected against physical theft or unauthorized inspection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass significant risks for patient privacy and healthcare organization compliance. Medical device manufacturers are expected to adhere to regulatory requirements including HIPAA standards and FDA guidelines for medical device security, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for healthcare providers who rely on such devices for patient care. The risk of unauthorized access to cardiac rhythm data could lead to serious consequences including medical identity theft, compromised patient treatment decisions, and potential exploitation of sensitive health information for fraudulent activities. Healthcare organizations using this device face potential regulatory violations and compliance issues, particularly under HIPAA's Security Rule which mandates appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards for protected health information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate operational responses and long-term architectural improvements. Healthcare organizations should implement strict physical security controls around devices, including secure storage areas, access restrictions, and inventory tracking systems to minimize the risk of unauthorized physical access. Device manufacturers should be urged to implement firmware updates that introduce encryption capabilities for stored data, though the effectiveness of such updates may be limited by the device's hardware architecture. The vulnerability highlights the importance of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and specifically addresses controls within the Protect function, particularly those related to data security and information protection. Organizations should also consider conducting risk assessments to evaluate the potential impact of data exposure and implement additional monitoring measures to detect unauthorized access attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under techniques related to credential access and data exfiltration, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures that address both physical and digital attack vectors.