CVE-2018-8846 in e-Alert Unit
Summary
by MITRE
Philips e-Alert Unit (non-medical device), Version R2.1 and prior. The software does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes user-controllable input before it is placed in output that is used as a web page that is then served to other users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2020
The Philips e-Alert Unit represents a critical security vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8846 within its R2.1 software version and earlier iterations. This non-medical device operates as a web-based system that processes user inputs through its interface, creating a potential attack surface where malicious actors could exploit improper input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-controllable data within the device's web application framework, which directly impacts the security posture of healthcare environments that rely on such monitoring systems.
The technical flaw manifests in the device's failure to properly neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes user-controllable input before incorporating it into web page outputs. This improper handling creates a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability where malicious input can be executed within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a critical weakness in the device's input validation and output encoding mechanisms. When user-controllable data enters the system through various interfaces, it should undergo strict sanitization to prevent malicious code injection that could compromise the web application's integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of other users' sessions. This could enable unauthorized access to sensitive patient monitoring data, manipulation of alert notifications, or even complete system compromise. The implications are particularly severe in healthcare settings where the e-Alert Unit may be used to monitor critical patient information, making this vulnerability a significant concern for medical device security. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain persistent access to the device's web interface, potentially disrupting patient care operations or exfiltrating confidential health information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8846 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the device's web application framework. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Philips software versions that address this vulnerability, while implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected device. The solution must include proper sanitization of all user-controllable inputs before they are processed or rendered in web pages, aligning with industry best practices for web application security. Additionally, security monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other medical device systems. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices in medical device development and highlights the need for continuous security updates in healthcare technology infrastructure.