CVE-2021-33885 in SpaceCom2
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2021
An Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity vulnerability in B. Braun SpaceCom2 prior to 012U000062 allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to send the device malicious data that will be used in place of the correct data. This results in full system command access and execution because of the lack of cryptographic signatures on critical data sets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-33885 represents a critical security flaw in B. Braun SpaceCom2 medical device software versions prior to 012U000062. This issue falls under the category of insufficient verification of data authenticity, which is classified as CWE-20 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The vulnerability exists due to the absence of cryptographic signatures on critical data sets that flow through the system, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject false information into the device's operational environment. The affected medical device is designed for use in healthcare settings where data integrity and system reliability are paramount for patient safety and regulatory compliance.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the lack of proper data validation mechanisms within the B. Braun SpaceCom2 system architecture. When the device receives data from external sources, it fails to authenticate the origin and integrity of the information through cryptographic means such as digital signatures or message authentication codes. This absence of verification allows an attacker to craft and transmit malicious data packets that the system will accept as legitimate. The flaw specifically impacts the device's ability to distinguish between authentic and forged data, particularly in scenarios involving system command processing and execution. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous in networked medical environments where devices may be accessible from external networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data corruption, as it provides attackers with complete system command access and execution capabilities. This level of compromise enables adversaries to manipulate critical medical device functions, potentially altering treatment parameters, disabling safety mechanisms, or executing arbitrary code within the device's operational environment. The consequences for patient safety are severe, as medical devices in healthcare settings must maintain absolute data integrity and operational reliability. The vulnerability's potential for remote exploitation without authentication aligns with tactics documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the 'Initial Access' and 'Execution' phases, where attackers can establish persistent control over critical infrastructure. Healthcare organizations may face regulatory violations under HIPAA and other compliance frameworks if such vulnerabilities are exploited, potentially leading to significant financial penalties and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-33885 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 012U000062 or later, which contain the necessary cryptographic signature verification mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate critical medical devices from general network traffic, reducing the attack surface available to potential attackers. Additional protective measures include deploying network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous data patterns that may indicate malicious data injection attempts, establishing robust patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates, and conducting regular security assessments of medical device environments. The implementation of cryptographic verification mechanisms should follow established standards such as those defined in NIST SP 800-57 for key management and digital signature protocols. Healthcare institutions must also consider the broader implications of device vulnerabilities within their overall cybersecurity posture, ensuring that medical device security is integrated into enterprise-wide security frameworks and incident response procedures.