CVE-2018-8853 in Brilliance CT
Summary
by MITRE
Philips Brilliance CT devices operate user functions from within a contained kiosk in a Microsoft Windows operating system. Windows boots by default with elevated Windows privileges, enabling a kiosk application, user, or an attacker to potentially attain unauthorized elevated privileges in Brilliance 64 version 2.6.2 and prior, Brilliance iCT versions 4.1.6 and prior, Brillance iCT SP versions 3.2.4 and prior, and Brilliance CT Big Bore 2.3.5 and prior. Also, attackers may gain access to unauthorized resources from the underlying Windows operating system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8853 affects Philips Brilliance CT medical imaging devices that operate within a Windows kiosk environment. These sophisticated medical imaging systems are designed to provide specialized diagnostic capabilities in healthcare settings, with the kiosk mode intended to restrict user access to specific applications while maintaining system stability and security. The devices in question include various Brilliance series models such as Brilliance 64, Brilliance iCT, Brilliance iCT SP, and Brilliance CT Big Bore, all running outdated software versions that contain critical security flaws. This vulnerability represents a significant concern for healthcare organizations that rely on these devices for patient diagnostics and medical imaging procedures.
The core technical flaw stems from the default Windows operating system configuration that boots with elevated privileges, which creates an inherent security weakness within the kiosk environment. When Windows initializes with administrative rights, it allows the kiosk application, legitimate user, or malicious attacker to potentially escalate privileges beyond what is intended for normal operation. This privilege escalation vulnerability exists because the system does not properly implement the principle of least privilege, a fundamental security concept that requires users and processes to operate with minimal necessary permissions. The flaw specifically affects versions 2.6.2 and earlier of Brilliance 64, 4.1.6 and earlier of Brilliance iCT, 3.2.4 and earlier of Brilliance iCT SP, and 2.3.5 and earlier of Brilliance CT Big Bore, indicating a widespread issue across multiple device generations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with access to unauthorized resources within the underlying Windows operating system. This access could enable malicious actors to modify system configurations, install unauthorized software, access sensitive medical data, or disrupt critical imaging operations that healthcare providers depend upon. The implications are particularly severe in healthcare environments where patient safety and data confidentiality are paramount, as this vulnerability could potentially compromise diagnostic capabilities, medical record integrity, or even patient treatment protocols. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes inadequate privileges, and represents a critical weakness in the system's access control mechanisms. The attack surface is further expanded through potential exploitation pathways that align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation."
Organizations must implement immediate mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, including applying the latest firmware updates from Philips, which would contain the necessary security patches to resolve the privilege escalation issue. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate these medical devices from general network access, reducing the attack surface available to potential intruders. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual system activities that might indicate privilege escalation attempts or unauthorized resource access. System administrators should also consider implementing additional access controls and privilege management policies that align with healthcare security standards such as those outlined in HIPAA regulations, ensuring that medical imaging systems maintain proper security boundaries while continuing to provide essential diagnostic services to healthcare providers.