CVE-2019-13530 in IntelliVue WLAN
Summary
by MITRE
Philips IntelliVue WLAN, portable patient monitors, WLAN Version A, Firmware A.03.09, WLAN Version A, Firmware A.03.09, Part #: M8096-67501, WLAN Version B, Firmware A.01.09, Part #: N/A (Replaced by Version C) and WLAN Version B, Firmware A.01.09, Part #: N/A (Replaced by Version C). An attacker can use these credentials to login via ftp and upload a malicious firmware.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-13530 affects Philips IntelliVue WLAN portable patient monitors, specifically versions A.03.09 and B.01.09, presenting a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized remote access through default credentials. This vulnerability resides within the wireless networking functionality of these medical devices, which are widely deployed in healthcare environments for continuous patient monitoring. The flaw stems from the use of hardcoded or default authentication credentials that remain unchanged throughout the device lifecycle, creating a persistent backdoor for malicious actors. The affected models include part numbers M8096-67501 for version A and unspecified part numbers for version B, with the latter being superseded by version C. This represents a fundamental failure in secure device provisioning and authentication mechanisms, as the devices are shipped with predictable credentials that attackers can readily exploit.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to establish an ftp connection to the device using default credentials, providing them with full administrative access to the system. This access enables the execution of arbitrary code through firmware uploads, which can completely compromise the device's operational integrity and potentially disrupt critical patient care. The flaw specifically relates to improper credential management and weak authentication mechanisms, aligning with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software. The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to gain root-level access to the device's operating system, potentially allowing them to manipulate patient data, disable monitoring functions, or even cause physical harm by altering critical device parameters. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no specialized equipment beyond basic network access and standard ftp client tools.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it directly threatens patient safety and healthcare delivery continuity. Medical devices in healthcare environments are expected to maintain continuous operation and data integrity, but this vulnerability creates a window for attackers to compromise patient monitoring systems that could lead to delayed responses to critical patient events. The risk is amplified by the fact that these devices operate in sensitive environments where network access is often uncontrolled, and the default credentials provide attackers with persistent access that can remain undetected for extended periods. This vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles outlined in NIST SP 800-82, which emphasizes the importance of secure device configuration and the elimination of default credentials in industrial control systems. The potential for data exfiltration, system manipulation, and service disruption makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in healthcare settings where device reliability and security are paramount.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory credential changes for all affected devices, network segmentation to isolate medical devices from general network traffic, and deployment of network monitoring tools to detect unauthorized ftp connections. The recommended approach includes disabling ftp services where possible, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all medical devices in the network. Regular firmware updates should be prioritized, with particular attention to ensuring that replaced versions (such as version C) properly address these authentication flaws. Security teams must also establish monitoring protocols to detect anomalous network behavior indicative of ftp access attempts and implement network access controls to restrict ftp connectivity to authorized personnel only. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure device lifecycle management and proper authentication configuration, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and credential access, and T1547 which addresses registry run keys and startup folder. The incident underscores the necessity of following security best practices such as those outlined in ISO/IEC 27001 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to prevent similar vulnerabilities in medical device deployments.