CVE-2018-8842 in e-Alert Unit
Summary
by MITRE
Philips e-Alert Unit (non-medical device), Version R2.1 and prior. The software transmits sensitive or security-critical data in cleartext in a communication channel that can be sniffed by unauthorized actors. The Philips e-Alert communication channel is not encrypted which could therefore lead to disclosure of personal contact information and application login credentials from within the same subnet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2020
The Philips e-Alert Unit represents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2018-8842, affecting versions R2.1 and earlier of this non-medical device. This vulnerability exists within the device's communication protocols and poses significant risks to data confidentiality and system integrity. The device operates within healthcare environments where sensitive personal information and authentication credentials are routinely transmitted, making it a prime target for malicious actors who seek to exploit weak security controls. The vulnerability specifically affects the communication channel used by the e-Alert Unit, which fails to implement proper encryption mechanisms for data transmission.
The technical flaw manifests as the transmission of sensitive data in cleartext format over network channels that are susceptible to network sniffing attacks. This design oversight means that any unauthorized actor within the same network subnet can capture and decode transmitted information without requiring advanced technical skills or specialized equipment. The cleartext transmission exposes not only login credentials but also personal contact information of patients and healthcare personnel, creating a comprehensive data breach scenario. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-312, which describes the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext transmission, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041 for data transmission through network protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it compromises the fundamental security posture of healthcare networks where the device operates. Unauthorized access to personal contact information can enable social engineering attacks and identity theft, while stolen login credentials provide attackers with persistent access to healthcare systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects devices that are often deployed in sensitive healthcare environments where patient privacy and data protection are paramount. Network sniffing attacks can be executed by anyone with access to the same subnet, making the attack surface extremely broad and difficult to control.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate implementation of network segmentation and access controls to limit unauthorized access to the network segments where the devices operate. Network administrators should deploy network monitoring solutions capable of detecting and alerting on cleartext transmissions, while also implementing proper encryption protocols for all communication channels. The device firmware should be updated to version R2.2 or later, which addresses the cleartext transmission issue through proper encryption implementation. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive network assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable devices and implement additional security controls such as intrusion detection systems and network access controls to prevent unauthorized access to the communication channels.