CVE-2021-33024 in Vue PACS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/02/2022
Philips Vue PACS versions 12.2.x.x and prior transmits or stores authentication credentials, but it uses an insecure method susceptible to unauthorized interception and/or retrieval.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-33024 affects Philips Vue PACS versions 12.2.x.x and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw in how authentication credentials are handled within the system. This issue stems from the improper implementation of credential storage and transmission mechanisms, creating a pathway for attackers to intercept or retrieve sensitive authentication information. The vulnerability represents a significant weakness in the security architecture of medical imaging systems, where unauthorized access could lead to severe consequences including patient data breaches and system compromise. The insecure handling of credentials directly violates fundamental security principles and creates an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to critical healthcare information systems.
The technical flaw manifests in the use of insecure methods for transmitting and storing authentication credentials within the Philips Vue PACS environment. This vulnerability falls under the category of weak cryptographic practices and insecure data handling as defined by CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper storage or transmission. The system's failure to implement proper encryption protocols or secure credential management mechanisms creates an environment where authentication tokens, usernames, and passwords can be intercepted during transmission or extracted from storage locations. This insecure implementation allows attackers to potentially capture credentials using network sniffing tools or by directly accessing system files where credentials are improperly stored, making the system particularly vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and insider threats.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-33024 extends beyond simple credential theft, as it compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the entire PACS ecosystem. Healthcare organizations relying on affected Philips Vue PACS systems face significant risks including unauthorized access to patient medical records, potential data manipulation, and disruption of critical imaging workflows. The vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts usage, as compromised credentials could enable attackers to maintain persistent access to the system. Additionally, this weakness can facilitate further exploitation through privilege escalation attacks, where initial credential compromise leads to broader system access and potential lateral movement within the healthcare network. The implications are particularly severe in healthcare environments where patient privacy is paramount and regulatory compliance requirements such as HIPAA mandate robust security controls.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address the insecure credential handling practices. The primary recommendation involves implementing secure encryption protocols for all credential transmission and storage operations, ensuring that authentication information is protected using industry-standard cryptographic methods such as TLS 1.3 and strong hashing algorithms. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of credential storage locations to identify and remediate insecure implementations, while also implementing proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized credential access attempts. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for suspicious activities that may indicate credential interception attempts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to ensure the effectiveness of implemented controls. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper patch management processes to prevent similar issues from arising in the future, as this represents a known weakness that has been addressed in subsequent releases of the Philips Vue PACS platform.