CVE-2018-7518 in Scroll Medical Air Systems
Summary
by MITRE
In TotalAlert Web Application in BeaconMedaes Scroll Medical Air Systems prior to v4107600010.23, an attacker with network access to the integrated web server could retrieve default or user defined credentials stored and transmitted in an insecure manner.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7518 affects the TotalAlert Web Application component within BeaconMedaes Scroll Medical Air Systems, specifically impacting versions prior to v4107600010.23. This represents a critical security weakness in medical device infrastructure that could compromise patient safety and data integrity. The vulnerability resides in how the web application handles credential storage and transmission, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to gain unauthorized access to the system. The affected medical air systems are widely deployed in healthcare environments where secure access controls are paramount for maintaining patient care continuity and regulatory compliance.
The technical flaw manifests through insecure handling of authentication credentials within the web application framework. Attackers with network access to the integrated web server can intercept and retrieve both default and user-defined credentials that are transmitted without adequate encryption or security measures. This weakness directly violates fundamental security principles and creates a pathway for unauthorized system access. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312, which addresses "Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information," and CWE-319, "Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information," highlighting the dual nature of the flaw in both credential storage and transmission mechanisms. The insecure transmission of credentials over network channels exposes them to interception during transit, while the insecure storage practices allow attackers to access stored credentials even after initial access is gained.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete system compromise and potential patient safety risks within medical environments. Healthcare facilities relying on these systems may experience unauthorized modifications to critical medical device configurations, data breaches exposing sensitive patient information, and potential disruption of life-support systems. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate security posture but also compliance with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA, which mandate secure handling of protected health information. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially gain persistent access to medical device networks, enabling them to monitor patient data, manipulate device settings, or disrupt critical medical operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many medical devices operate in environments where network access is limited but not completely restricted, making the vulnerability more exploitable than initially apparent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exposure and long-term security posture of affected systems. Organizations should implement immediate network segmentation to limit access to medical device networks, deploy encryption protocols for all credential transmissions, and enforce strong authentication mechanisms including multi-factor authentication. The vendor has released version v4107600010.23 which includes fixes addressing the credential handling issues, making system updates a critical priority for affected deployments. Security measures should also include regular monitoring for unauthorized access attempts, implementation of network intrusion detection systems, and comprehensive security assessments of medical device environments. Organizations must also consider the broader context of medical device cybersecurity, aligning their response with industry standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the IEC 62443 series for industrial automation and control systems security. Regular security training for medical device operators and IT staff is essential to recognize potential exploitation attempts and maintain overall system security.