CVE-2021-37599 in Winscribe Dictation
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2021
The exporter/Login.aspx login form in the Exporter in Nuance Winscribe Dictation 4.1.0.99 is vulnerable to SQL injection that allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker to read the database (and execute code in some situations) via the txtPassword parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-37599 affects the Nuance Winscribe Dictation 4.1.0.99 exporter component, specifically targeting the Login.aspx web form implementation. This critical security flaw resides within the authentication mechanism of a medical transcription and dictation system widely used in healthcare environments. The vulnerability manifests through improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the login form, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to sensitive medical data. The affected system processes user credentials through a web interface that fails to adequately filter or escape special characters in the txtPassword parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the database query execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a classic SQL injection flaw classified under CWE-89, which represents an improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command. The Login.aspx form accepts user input through the txtPassword parameter without appropriate sanitization measures, enabling attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries through crafted input sequences. When the application processes the malicious input, it concatenates the user-supplied password value directly into SQL execution statements, bypassing normal input validation controls. This allows for arbitrary SQL command execution and can result in complete database compromise, potentially exposing sensitive patient information and medical records stored within the system's backend database infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates multiple attack vectors for threat actors seeking to exploit the system. Remote unauthenticated attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive data from the database, potentially including patient medical records, user credentials, and system configuration details. In certain configurations, the vulnerability may also enable code execution capabilities, allowing attackers to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the compromised environment. The healthcare industry context amplifies the severity of this flaw, as it directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of Protected Health Information (PHI) that falls under HIPAA compliance requirements. The vulnerability affects systems that handle sensitive medical documentation, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to exploit healthcare data for financial gain or other malicious purposes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-37599 should prioritize immediate patch application from Nuance, as the vendor has released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected system, particularly restricting external connectivity to the exporter component. Input validation and sanitization measures must be strengthened through parameterized queries and proper escaping of special characters in all user-supplied inputs. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous database access patterns and SQL injection attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other components of their medical transcription infrastructure. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure ongoing protection against similar vulnerabilities in the healthcare IT infrastructure.