CVE-2020-25166 in SpaceCom
Summary
by MITRE • 04/15/2022
An improper verification of the cryptographic signature of firmware updates of the B. Braun Melsungen AG SpaceCom Version L81/U61 and earlier, and the Data module compactplus Versions A10 and A11 allows attackers to generate valid firmware updates with arbitrary content that can be used to tamper with devices.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-25166 represents a critical cryptographic weakness in the firmware update mechanism of medical devices manufactured by B. Braun Melsungen AG. This flaw specifically affects the SpaceCom Version L81/U61 and earlier models, as well as the Data module compactplus Versions A10 and A11, which are widely deployed in healthcare environments for patient monitoring and treatment applications. The improper verification of cryptographic signatures creates a fundamental security gap that undermines the integrity and authenticity guarantees typically expected in medical device firmware management systems.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation of digital signatures during the firmware update process, allowing attackers to craft malicious firmware updates that appear legitimate to the target devices. This weakness falls under CWE-327, which addresses weak cryptographic algorithms and improper implementation of cryptographic functions. The vulnerability enables attackers to generate valid firmware updates with arbitrary content, effectively bypassing the security controls designed to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical medical equipment. The flaw operates at the core of the device's security architecture, where cryptographic signature verification should serve as the primary gatekeeping mechanism for firmware integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond typical cybersecurity concerns, as it directly threatens patient safety and medical device reliability. Attackers could potentially modify firmware to alter device behavior, introduce malicious code, or disable critical safety features without detection. This represents a significant risk in healthcare environments where medical devices operate continuously and autonomously, with potential consequences ranging from incorrect patient monitoring to complete device failure. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.005, which involves the use of command and scripting interpreters for execution, as attackers could leverage modified firmware to establish persistent access or execute malicious payloads within the device ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the vendor, though these may not be available for older device models. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit device access, deploy continuous monitoring for unauthorized firmware changes, and establish robust device inventory management to track affected systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper cryptographic implementation in medical device security, particularly in compliance with standards such as IEC 60601-1 and NIST SP 800-32, which mandate robust security controls for healthcare technology. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough risk assessments and consider the potential for supply chain attacks, as this vulnerability could be exploited through compromised update channels or malicious third-party components.