CVE-2018-18984 in CareLink 2090 Programmer
Summary
by MITRE
Medtronic CareLink 2090 Programmer CareLink 9790 Programmer 29901 Encore Programmer, all versions, The affected products do not encrypt or do not sufficiently encrypt the following sensitive information while at rest PII and PHI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18984 affects Medtronic CareLink 2090 Programmer CareLink 9790 Programmer 29901 Encore Programmer across all versions, representing a critical weakness in data protection mechanisms. This flaw exposes sensitive personal and medical information stored on these medical devices, fundamentally compromising patient privacy and data security. The affected systems fail to implement adequate encryption measures for protecting personally identifiable information and protected health information while data remains at rest within the device storage systems. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality aspect of the information security triad, creating potential exposure for patient medical records and personal details that should remain protected under healthcare privacy regulations.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate cryptographic controls within the device firmware and data storage mechanisms. These programmers are designed to interface with Medtronic medical devices such as insulin pumps and other implantable cardioverter defibrillators, which store sensitive patient data including treatment histories, device settings, and personal identification information. The insufficient encryption or complete absence of encryption for data at rest creates a persistent security gap that can be exploited by unauthorized individuals with physical access to the devices. The vulnerability manifests as a failure to properly implement encryption algorithms or the use of weak encryption methods that can be easily bypassed or reversed, leaving patient medical data vulnerable to exposure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates significant risks for patient privacy and healthcare compliance. Medical device manufacturers and healthcare providers face potential regulatory violations under HIPAA and other privacy regulations when patient data is inadequately protected. The exposure of PII and PHI through these programmers could enable identity theft, medical fraud, and unauthorized access to sensitive medical information that might be used for malicious purposes. Healthcare organizations using these devices must consider the potential for data breaches that could affect thousands of patients and result in substantial financial penalties, legal consequences, and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of additional security controls beyond the device manufacturer's default configurations. Organizations should consider deploying physical security measures to protect these devices from unauthorized access, including secure storage areas and access controls. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect potential unauthorized access attempts. The affected devices should be updated with manufacturer patches if available, though the fundamental design flaw may require replacement or upgrade of the affected systems. Security awareness training for personnel handling these devices should emphasize the importance of physical security and proper handling of sensitive medical data. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-311, which addresses the absence of encryption of sensitive data, and represents a significant concern under ATT&CK framework category TA0006 (Credential Access) and TA0009 (Collection) where unauthorized access to medical device data could lead to comprehensive patient information harvesting.