CVE-2018-10573 in OpenEMR
Summary
by MITRE
interface/fax/fax_dispatch.php in OpenEMR before 5.0.1 allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions via the scan parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10573 affects OpenEMR version 5.0.1 and earlier, specifically within the fax_dispatch.php file located in the interface/fax directory. This represents a critical access control flaw that allows authenticated attackers to circumvent intended security restrictions through manipulation of the scan parameter. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and authorization checks within the fax processing functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors who have already established legitimate access to escalate their privileges and access restricted fax-related features.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the scan parameter in the fax_dispatch.php script failing to properly validate user permissions before executing fax-related operations. When an authenticated user submits a request containing a specially crafted scan parameter, the application does not adequately verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary authorization levels to perform the requested fax operations. This oversight creates a privilege escalation vector where attackers can access fax functionality that should be restricted to specific user roles or departments. The flaw operates at the application logic level, specifically within the access control mechanisms that govern fax processing workflows.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables authenticated attackers to bypass intended access controls for fax dispatch functionality, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive medical information transmitted through fax communications. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access, as fax processing in healthcare environments often involves protected health information that requires strict access controls under regulations such as HIPAA. Attackers could potentially intercept, modify, or redirect fax communications, leading to data breaches, privacy violations, and potential compromise of patient confidentiality. The vulnerability affects organizations using OpenEMR versions prior to 5.0.1, creating widespread exposure across healthcare facilities that have not yet updated their systems.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering through access control bypass. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to OpenEMR version 5.0.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this access control flaw. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to fax processing functions, conducting thorough access control reviews, and monitoring for unusual fax processing activities. Security teams should also consider implementing additional authentication layers and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar access control weaknesses in other components of their healthcare information systems.