CVE-2017-2853 in Xltek NeuroWorks
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable Code Execution vulnerability exists in the RequestForPatientInfoEEGfile functionality of Natus Xltek NeuroWorks 8. A specially crafted network packet can cause a stack buffer overflow resulting in arbitrary command execution. An attacker can send a malicious packet to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2023
The CVE-2017-2853 vulnerability represents a critical code execution flaw within Natus Xltek NeuroWorks 8 software, specifically within its RequestForPatientInfoEEGfile functionality. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow category, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The affected system processes network packets containing patient information requests for EEG files, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can manipulate input data to trigger the buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability exists due to inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the software's network communication handling mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a specially designed network packet that exceeds the allocated buffer size for processing patient information requests. When the NeuroWorks 8 application receives this malformed packet, the stack buffer overflow occurs, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application. The attack vector is network-based, meaning that remote exploitation is possible without requiring physical access to the system. This vulnerability demonstrates poor software development practices regarding input sanitization and memory management, creating a pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized control over the affected system.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2853 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise within healthcare environments. In medical settings, this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to sensitive patient data, disruption of critical medical services, and potential manipulation of patient records. The attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, where adversaries execute malicious code through compromised applications. Healthcare organizations using NeuroWorks 8 software face significant risk, as this vulnerability could be exploited to gain persistent access to medical networks and potentially escalate privileges to administrative levels.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate software patching from the vendor, network segmentation to limit access to affected systems, and implementation of intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected systems within their network infrastructure. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments before deployment to ensure compatibility with existing medical workflows. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual network packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while access controls should be strengthened to limit who can interact with the vulnerable functionality. Additionally, implementing network firewalls and access control lists can help prevent unauthorized access to the specific ports and services that utilize the vulnerable RequestForPatientInfoEEGfile functionality.