CVE-2021-43355 in Vigilant Software Suite
Summary
by MITRE • 01/21/2022
Fresenius Kabi Vigilant Software Suite (Mastermed Dashboard) version 2.0.1.3 allows user input to be validated on the client side without authentication by the server. The server should not rely on the correctness of the data because users might not support or block JavaScript or intentionally bypass the client-side checks. An attacker with knowledge of the service user could circumvent the client-side control and login with service privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-43355 affects the Fresenius Kabi Vigilant Software Suite Mastermed Dashboard version 2.0.1.3, representing a critical security flaw in the authentication and input validation mechanisms of this medical device management system. This issue stems from the improper implementation of client-side validation controls that fail to enforce proper server-side verification, creating a dangerous security gap in the system's access control framework. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication process where the system relies on client-side JavaScript validation to enforce input constraints without subsequent server-side confirmation, fundamentally undermining the security posture of the platform.
This security weakness constitutes a classic example of insufficient server-side input validation, classified under CWE-863, where the system fails to validate user inputs on the server side after client-side validation has been bypassed or disabled. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate authentication requests by circumventing client-side controls that are designed to prevent unauthorized access to service accounts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables an attacker with knowledge of legitimate service user credentials to bypass authentication controls entirely, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive medical device management functions and patient data. The attack vector relies on the assumption that users might have JavaScript disabled in their browsers or that attackers might intentionally bypass client-side validation mechanisms, which the system does not account for in its security design.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates potential for privilege escalation and data breaches within healthcare environments where the Mastermed Dashboard manages critical medical device configurations. Attackers could exploit this flaw to manipulate device settings, access confidential patient information, or disrupt the operation of connected medical equipment, potentially affecting patient safety and care delivery. The vulnerability's implications are particularly severe in healthcare settings where compliance with regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR is mandatory, as unauthorized access to medical device management systems could result in significant regulatory penalties and patient safety risks. The lack of proper server-side validation creates a persistent security weakness that could be exploited repeatedly without detection, making it a high-priority remediation target for healthcare organizations managing these systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including enforcing server-side validation for all user inputs, implementing proper authentication controls, and ensuring that client-side validation cannot be bypassed to compromise system security. The remediation approach should focus on eliminating the reliance on client-side controls for security-critical functions and establishing robust server-side validation mechanisms that verify all inputs regardless of client-side processing status. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to defense-in-depth principles in healthcare software development, where the failure of any single security control can have serious consequences for patient safety and data protection. The issue also demonstrates the necessity of implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms that do not depend on client-side validation, aligning with the principles of secure software development and the ATT&CK framework's emphasis on authentication bypass techniques.