CVE-2022-32965 in EDM
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2022
OMICARD EDM has a hard-coded machine key. An unauthenticated remote attacker can use the machine key to send serialized payload to the server to execute arbitrary code, manipulate system data and disrupt service.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-32965 affects OMICARD EDM software, a medical device management system that handles sensitive healthcare information. This critical security flaw stems from the improper implementation of cryptographic key management within the application's configuration. The system contains a hard-coded machine key that should never be embedded within the application source code or configuration files. This hard-coded key represents a fundamental violation of security best practices and creates a persistent backdoor that remains active regardless of system updates or security patches. The presence of such a key fundamentally undermines the security model of the application and provides attackers with a consistent method of exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to leverage the hard-coded machine key to construct and transmit serialized payloads to the target server. This exploitation mechanism operates through the .NET framework's serialization system, where the machine key serves as the cryptographic material for encrypting and decrypting serialized objects. When the application processes these serialized payloads, it deserializes them without proper validation, creating a classic deserialization vulnerability. The attacker can craft malicious objects that, when deserialized, execute arbitrary code on the target system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-502, which specifically addresses deserialization of untrusted data, and represents a significant threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data manipulation capabilities. An attacker with access to the hard-coded machine key can not only execute arbitrary commands but also manipulate system data, potentially altering patient records, medical device configurations, or administrative settings. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly without requiring authentication or additional reconnaissance. The disruption of service potential is equally concerning, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform denial-of-service attacks, corrupt system data, or establish persistent backdoors within the medical device management environment. The attack surface is particularly dangerous in healthcare environments where system availability and data integrity are critical for patient safety and regulatory compliance.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-32965 require immediate action to address the hard-coded machine key issue and implement proper cryptographic key management practices. Organizations must first identify and replace the hard-coded machine key with a dynamically generated, securely stored key that is properly managed through established key management systems. The application should be updated to remove any embedded cryptographic keys and implement secure key provisioning mechanisms that align with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the affected system to unauthorized users. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar hard-coded credentials across all applications and systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and proper key management protocols as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework's credential access and defense evasion techniques, particularly focusing on the persistence and privilege escalation capabilities that such vulnerabilities enable.