CVE-2017-9656 in DoseWise Portal
Summary
by MITRE
The backend database of the Philips DoseWise Portal application versions 1.1.7.333 and 2.1.1.3069 uses hard-coded credentials for a database account with privileges that can affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the database. For an attacker to exploit this vulnerability, elevated privileges are first required for an attacker to access the web application backend system files that contain the hard-coded credentials. Successful exploitation may allow a remote attacker to gain access to the database of the DWP application, which contains PHI. CVSS v3 base score: 9.1, CVSS vector string: AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2020
The Philips DoseWise Portal application presents a critical security vulnerability through the use of hard-coded credentials within its backend database configuration. This vulnerability affects specific versions 1.1.7.333 and 2.1.1.3069 of the DoseWise Portal application, which is commonly used in healthcare environments for radiation dose management and reporting. The flaw resides in the database account configuration where credentials are embedded directly into the application source code or configuration files, creating a persistent security risk that remains unchanged regardless of system updates or user management practices. This design pattern violates fundamental security principles and represents a classic example of insecure credential storage as classified under CWE-798. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that the compromised database contains protected health information PHI, making it particularly attractive to malicious actors seeking to exploit healthcare data breaches.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to first obtain elevated privileges to access the web application backend system files where the hard-coded credentials are stored. This prerequisite creates a multi-layered attack surface that must be navigated through initial access vectors such as web application vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, or social engineering tactics. Once the attacker successfully gains access to the backend files, the hard-coded database credentials can be extracted and used to establish unauthorized database connections. The database account possesses elevated privileges that provide comprehensive access to all database functions, including read, write, and delete operations, which directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the stored data. The CVSS v3 score of 9.1 reflects the high severity of this vulnerability, with a low attack complexity requirement and high impact across all three core security principles.
The operational impact of successful exploitation extends beyond simple data theft, as the compromised database contains sensitive patient radiation dose information that forms part of the protected health information framework under HIPAA regulations. This exposure creates significant compliance risks for healthcare organizations, potentially leading to regulatory penalties and legal consequences. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate confidentiality of patient data but also the integrity of dose measurement records and the availability of the application services. Healthcare institutions using affected versions of the DoseWise Portal face potential disruption to their radiation safety monitoring processes, as the database could be modified or deleted, compromising the accuracy of dose tracking and patient safety protocols. The attack surface is further complicated by the fact that these credentials remain static and persistent, meaning that any compromise results in ongoing access unless the application is properly updated.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including the complete removal of hard-coded credentials from application files and the implementation of proper credential management practices. The recommended approach involves migrating to secure credential storage solutions such as encrypted configuration files, external key management systems, or environment-specific variable configurations that are not embedded within the application code. System administrators must also conduct comprehensive security audits to identify any other instances of hard-coded credentials throughout the application infrastructure. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of the DoseWise Portal application where available, implementing network segmentation to limit access to backend systems, and establishing robust access controls and monitoring mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003 for credential access and represents a significant risk for healthcare organizations following the MITRE ATT&CK framework for adversary behavior analysis. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to prevent similar issues in other healthcare applications and systems.