CVE-2019-25718 in Infinity Explorer C700
Summary
by MITRE • 06/02/2026
Drager Infinity Delta, Infinity Delta, all versions, Delta XL, all versions, Kappa, all version, and Infinity Explorer C700, all versions. Via a specific dialog it is possible to break out of the kiosk mode and reach the underlying operating system. By breaking out of the kiosk mode, an attacker is able to take control of the operating system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2026
The Dräger Infinity Explorer C700 medical device presents a critical privilege escalation vulnerability that fundamentally compromises its security architecture through improper kiosk mode implementation. This vulnerability resides in the device's user interface handling mechanisms where specific dialog interactions fail to properly validate user privileges and system access controls. The flaw allows unauthorized users to bypass the intended kiosk restrictions that are designed to limit operator access to only essential medical monitoring functions while maintaining system stability and security. The device operates within a confined environment where legitimate users should only be able to interact with predefined medical applications and monitoring interfaces. However, the vulnerability creates an exploitable pathway that enables attackers to transition from restricted user mode to full system administrator privileges. This privilege escalation occurs through a specific sequence of dialog interactions that the device fails to properly validate, allowing malicious actors to execute unauthorized commands and access underlying system resources. The vulnerability directly impacts the device's integrity and availability as it enables attackers to manipulate the operating system at a fundamental level, potentially causing the device to display incorrect patient data or fail entirely to provide monitoring information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and privilege checking within the device's graphical user interface subsystem. When users interact with specific dialog boxes or system prompts, the device fails to properly authenticate the user context and verify that the requested operations are permitted within the current security domain. This weakness represents a classic privilege escalation flaw that aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack tactics and techniques framework, specifically mapping to privilege escalation techniques that leverage application-level vulnerabilities. The vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, and more specifically aligns with CWE-787, which deals with out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to privilege escalation. The device's kiosk mode implementation appears to rely on insufficient sandboxing mechanisms that should normally isolate user interactions from core system functions. Attackers can exploit this by triggering specific sequences that cause the system to execute code with elevated privileges, effectively breaking out of the intended operational boundaries. The exploitation process typically involves initiating dialog interactions that should be restricted but instead trigger privilege elevation routines due to missing validation checks in the input processing pipeline.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple security compromise to potentially life-threatening medical device failures that could directly affect patient care. When attackers successfully escalate privileges, they gain access to the underlying operating system and can manipulate critical device functions that control patient monitoring data flow and display. This capability allows malicious actors to cause the Delta Family patient monitor to display incorrect physiological readings, withhold critical patient information, or even cause complete system failures that could result in delayed or missed medical interventions. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in healthcare environments where device reliability and data accuracy are paramount for patient safety. Medical staff rely on accurate monitoring data to make critical clinical decisions, and any compromise of the device's integrity could lead to serious consequences including misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or complete loss of monitoring capability. The device's security model assumes that users within the kiosk environment cannot access system-level functions, but this vulnerability undermines that fundamental security assumption. The potential for remote exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as attackers could compromise devices from external networks without requiring physical access. This creates a significant risk profile that affects not only individual devices but entire healthcare facilities that may rely on these systems for critical patient monitoring operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through comprehensive security updates and system hardening measures. Device manufacturers should implement proper privilege validation mechanisms that ensure all user interactions are properly authenticated and authorized before any system-level operations are permitted. The kiosk mode implementation must include robust sandboxing techniques that isolate user interface components from core operating system functions, preventing unauthorized privilege escalation through dialog interactions. Security patches should address the specific validation gaps in the input processing pipeline and implement proper access control lists that define which operations are permitted in different user contexts. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns indicating potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should be conducted to verify that the kiosk mode restrictions remain effective against evolving attack vectors. Additionally, device administrators should establish strict access control policies that limit who can interact with the device and implement logging mechanisms that track all dialog interactions for security analysis. The implementation of these mitigations should align with industry best practices for medical device security and incorporate lessons learned from similar vulnerabilities documented in cybersecurity frameworks and threat intelligence sources. Organizations must also develop incident response procedures specifically tailored to address potential exploitation of such vulnerabilities in critical healthcare environments where patient safety is the primary concern.