CVE-2018-8857 in Brilliance CT
Summary
by MITRE
Philips Brilliance CT software (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) contains fixed credentials, such as a password or cryptographic key, which it uses for its own inbound authentication, outbound communication to external components, or encryption of internal data. An attacker could compromise these credentials and gain access to the system.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8857 represents a critical security flaw in Philips Brilliance CT medical imaging software systems, specifically affecting multiple versions of their diagnostic equipment including Brilliance 64, iCT, iCT SP, and CT Big Bore platforms. This issue stems from the improper implementation of authentication mechanisms within the software, where hardcoded or fixed credentials are embedded within the application code rather than being dynamically generated or securely managed. The presence of such fixed credentials creates a fundamental weakness in the security architecture of these medical devices, as they provide a persistent attack vector that remains constant across system deployments and updates. The vulnerability affects versions up to and including 2.6.2 for Brilliance 64, 4.1.6 for Brilliance iCT, 3.2.4 for Brilliance iCT SP, and 2.3.5 for Brilliance CT Big Bore, indicating a widespread issue across Philips' CT imaging product line.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of hardcoded authentication credentials that serve multiple purposes within the software ecosystem, including inbound authentication mechanisms, outbound communication with external components, and encryption of internal data storage. These fixed credentials are typically stored in plain text or easily reversible formats within the application binaries, making them accessible to attackers who can extract and utilize them for unauthorized access. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-798, which describes the use of hard-coded credentials, and CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage. The attack surface extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and disruption of critical medical imaging operations. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to patient data, manipulate imaging results, or disrupt the operation of critical medical equipment, particularly concerning the encryption of internal data which could lead to patient privacy violations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond traditional cybersecurity concerns into the realm of medical device safety and patient care. Healthcare organizations utilizing affected Philips CT systems face significant risks including unauthorized access to sensitive patient medical records, potential manipulation of diagnostic imaging data, and disruption of critical healthcare workflows. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple software versions indicates that organizations may have been exposed to risk for extended periods without awareness. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential harvesting. The compromise of authentication credentials in medical imaging systems poses particular risks because these devices often contain sensitive patient information and operate in environments where system availability and data integrity are paramount. The vulnerability also raises concerns regarding compliance with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA, which mandates the protection of patient health information and requires robust security controls for medical devices.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available software versions that address the hardcoded credential issue. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit lateral movement if credentials are compromised, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure software development practices and proper credential management, particularly in medical device environments where security failures can have life-threatening consequences. Regular security assessments of medical device ecosystems are essential to identify similar hardcoded credential issues in other healthcare technologies. Additionally, organizations should implement robust key management solutions and avoid embedding credentials in software code, instead utilizing secure authentication mechanisms such as certificate-based authentication or dynamic credential generation systems that align with industry best practices for medical device security and compliance requirements.