CVE-2022-22765 in Viper LT System
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2022
BD Viper LT system, versions 2.0 and later, contains hardcoded credentials. If exploited, threat actors may be able to access, modify or delete sensitive information, including electronic protected health information (ePHI), protected health information (PHI) and personally identifiable information (PII). BD Viper LT system versions 4.0 and later utilize Microsoft Windows 10 and have additional Operating System hardening configurations which increase the attack complexity required to exploit this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2022
The BD Viper LT system represents a critical healthcare information technology platform that has been identified with a significant security vulnerability through CVE-2022-22765. This vulnerability stems from the presence of hardcoded credentials within the system architecture, specifically affecting versions 2.0 and later. The flaw exists at the fundamental level of system design where authentication mechanisms have been improperly implemented, creating persistent access points that remain unchanged regardless of system updates or security patches. Such hardcoded credentials typically represent a severe weakness in security architecture as they provide unauthorized parties with permanent access credentials that are not subject to standard authentication controls or user management protocols.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the embedding of static username and password combinations directly within the system code or configuration files during the development phase. This approach violates fundamental security principles and creates a persistent attack surface that remains active throughout the system's operational lifecycle. The presence of these hardcoded credentials means that any individual who can access the system's codebase, configuration files, or installation media can potentially exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access. This flaw directly relates to CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure credential management practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass the complete compromise of sensitive healthcare data. The affected system contains electronic protected health information, protected health information, and personally identifiable information that falls under the purview of healthcare privacy regulations including HIPAA. Threat actors exploiting this vulnerability could potentially access patient medical records, treatment histories, personal identification details, and other sensitive data that could be used for identity theft, medical fraud, or other malicious activities. The scope of potential damage includes not only immediate data theft but also long-term risks to patient privacy and healthcare provider compliance with regulatory requirements. This vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to establish persistent access to healthcare systems, potentially enabling extended surveillance and data exfiltration operations.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires relatively minimal technical expertise compared to other attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by threat actors with varying skill levels. The attack complexity increases somewhat in versions 4.0 and later due to the implementation of Microsoft Windows 10 with additional operating system hardening configurations, yet the fundamental issue of hardcoded credentials remains unresolved. This demonstrates the persistence of security flaws in legacy systems and highlights the importance of proper security architecture from the initial development phases. The presence of these credentials also enables potential lateral movement within networks, as attackers can use these access points to navigate through connected systems and expand their compromise beyond the initial target. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through various methods including the exploitation of hardcoded credentials, and represents a critical entry point that could enable further attack progression.
Organizations utilizing BD Viper LT systems should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including the removal of hardcoded credentials from system configurations, implementation of dynamic credential management systems, and thorough security auditing of all system components. The remediation process must involve complete code review and re-architecture of authentication mechanisms to ensure that no static credentials remain within the system. Additionally, organizations should conduct immediate vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation that may have already occurred, implement network monitoring for suspicious activities, and establish robust access controls and audit trails. The implementation of these mitigations should follow established security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 controls for access control and system and information integrity, ensuring that the remediation efforts align with industry best practices and regulatory compliance requirements.