CVE-2020-12733 in WiFi Digital Microscope
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2021
Certain Shenzhen PENGLIXIN components on DEPSTECH WiFi Digital Microscope 3, as used by Shekar Endoscope, allow a TELNET connection with the molinkadmin password for the molink account.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-12733 affects specific components manufactured by Shenzhen PENGLIXIN that are integrated into the DEPSTECH WiFi Digital Microscope 3 device. This medical equipment, utilized by Shekar Endoscope, presents a critical security weakness through its network configuration that allows unauthorized access via Telnet protocol. The flaw specifically enables remote attackers to establish a Telnet connection using hardcoded credentials, where the username is molink and the password is molinkadmin, creating an easily exploitable entry point for malicious actors.
This security weakness represents a fundamental failure in authentication mechanisms and credential management practices within the device's firmware. The use of default or hardcoded credentials violates established security principles and creates a persistent vulnerability that remains active regardless of network configuration changes or user authentication updates. The Telnet protocol itself is inherently insecure as it transmits credentials and data in plaintext, making the vulnerability even more severe when combined with the hardcoded authentication mechanism. The flaw falls under the category of weak authentication as defined by CWE-521, where weak password policies or hardcoded credentials create exploitable access points. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1075 which describes the use of legitimate credentials to gain access to systems, particularly when those credentials are hardcoded or default values.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with potential control over medical imaging equipment that may contain sensitive patient data. The Telnet service exposed through this vulnerability allows for remote command execution capabilities, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate microscope settings, access captured images, or even disrupt the device's operation during critical medical procedures. The presence of this vulnerability in medical equipment specifically raises concerns about patient privacy and data protection, as the device may be handling sensitive medical information that could be accessed or modified by unauthorized parties. This exposure could lead to regulatory compliance violations under healthcare privacy laws such as HIPAA, as well as potential liability issues for healthcare providers using the affected equipment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate credential changes and network segmentation to isolate the affected device from critical network segments. The most effective remediation involves disabling Telnet services entirely and implementing secure remote access protocols such as SSH for administrative access. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all devices running the affected firmware versions and ensure proper patching or firmware updates are applied. Network monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized Telnet connections, and access controls should be strictly enforced through proper authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure device lifecycle management and the need for manufacturers to implement proper credential management practices, including the use of unique, strong passwords during device provisioning rather than default credentials. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar hardcoded credential vulnerabilities across the entire network infrastructure.