CVE-2018-14801 in PageWriter
Summary
by MITRE
In Philips PageWriter TC10, TC20, TC30, TC50, TC70 Cardiographs, all versions prior to May 2018, an attacker with both the superuser password and physical access can enter the superuser password that can be used to access and modify all settings on the device, as well as allow the user to reset existing passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14801 affects Philips PageWriter cardiograph devices including models TC10, TC20, TC30, TC50, and TC70 across all versions prior to May 2018. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity and confidentiality of medical device operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized modification of critical device settings through the superuser account. The flaw specifically manifests when an attacker possesses both the superuser password and physical access to the device, creating a dangerous attack vector that could compromise patient data and device functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a design flaw in the authentication and authorization mechanisms of these medical devices. When the superuser password is entered, it provides unrestricted access to modify all device settings, including critical operational parameters that govern data collection, storage, and transmission. This access level also permits password reset functionality, effectively allowing an attacker to completely subvert the device's security controls and establish persistent access. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue where a single credential provides administrative access to the entire system, violating fundamental security principles of least privilege and defense in depth.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential patient safety risks and regulatory compliance violations. Medical devices that collect and process sensitive patient data must maintain strict security controls to protect against unauthorized modifications that could alter diagnostic information or compromise device functionality. The ability to reset existing passwords creates a persistent threat where an attacker could establish long-term access while covering their tracks through password resets. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity of medical data and could potentially lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment if device settings are modified to alter data collection parameters.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege. The attack vector requires physical access combined with knowledge of administrative credentials, making it a sophisticated threat that combines social engineering with technical exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation techniques where adversaries leverage existing administrative access to gain broader system control. Organizations implementing these devices must consider the physical security controls alongside network security measures, as this vulnerability demonstrates that physical access combined with knowledge of administrative credentials creates a complete compromise of device security.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates to versions released after May 2018, which address the access control flaws. Additionally, organizations should implement strict physical security measures including locked device enclosures, restricted access areas, and regular security audits. The implementation of multi-factor authentication mechanisms and regular credential rotation policies can help reduce the impact if credentials are compromised. Device administrators should also conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other medical equipment. Compliance with regulatory standards such as HIPAA and medical device security guidelines becomes crucial when addressing such vulnerabilities that could impact patient safety and data integrity.