CVE-2022-37710 in Dental Eaglesoft
Summary
by MITRE • 11/07/2022
Patterson Dental Eaglesoft 21 has AES-256 encryption but there are two ways to obtain a keyfile: (1) keybackup.data > License > Encryption Key or (2) Eaglesoft.Server.Configuration.data > DbEncryptKeyPrimary > Encryption Key. Applicable files are encrypted with keys and salt that are hardcoded into a DLL or EXE file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-37710 affects Patterson Dental Eaglesoft 21 software, presenting a critical security weakness in its encryption implementation that directly violates fundamental cryptographic principles and industry best practices. This vulnerability stems from the software's reliance on hardcoded encryption keys within its executable components, creating a scenario where the confidentiality of encrypted data can be compromised through straightforward reverse engineering approaches. The software's encryption mechanism, while employing AES-256 encryption strength, fails to properly manage key distribution and storage, fundamentally undermining its security posture.
The technical flaw manifests through two distinct pathways for key extraction that are readily accessible to attackers with basic file access privileges. The first method involves extracting encryption keys from the keybackup.data file, which contains license information including the encryption key necessary for decrypting sensitive data. The second approach targets the Eaglesoft.Server.Configuration.data file where the DbEncryptKeyPrimary parameter stores the encryption key used for database encryption. Both of these key extraction methods represent a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and proper key management practices as outlined in the NIST Special Publication 800-57. The encryption keys and salt values are embedded within DLL or EXE files, making them vulnerable to static analysis and reverse engineering techniques that are commonly employed by security researchers and malicious actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data confidentiality breaches, as it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by both internal and external threat actors. Attackers with access to the system can leverage these hardcoded keys to decrypt sensitive patient dental records, financial information, and other protected health information stored within the Eaglesoft database. This vulnerability directly maps to the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1552.001 - Unsecured Credentials, where adversaries access stored credentials and encryption keys that are not properly protected. The presence of these hardcoded keys creates a persistent backdoor that remains effective regardless of system updates or user credential changes, making it particularly dangerous for healthcare environments that must comply with HIPAA regulations and other data protection mandates.
The vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the software's security architecture that violates multiple security standards and best practices. According to CWE-312, the use of hardcoded keys in applications creates a significant risk of unauthorized access to encrypted data, while CWE-310 specifically addresses the weakness of hardcoded encryption keys. The software's implementation fails to meet the requirements of secure key management as specified in ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST SP 800-57, which mandate that encryption keys be managed through secure key management systems rather than being embedded within applications. Organizations using this software face increased risk of data breaches, regulatory penalties, and compliance violations, particularly in healthcare environments where patient privacy is paramount. The vulnerability also exposes the system to lateral movement attacks where compromised keys can be used to access other systems that may share similar encryption configurations.
Recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate implementation of proper key management practices, including the use of hardware security modules or secure key management systems to store and manage encryption keys separately from application code. Organizations should implement regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar hardcoded key vulnerabilities across their IT infrastructure. The software vendor should provide updated versions with proper key management mechanisms, including the ability to rotate encryption keys and implement secure key storage solutions. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit access to the affected files and systems, while continuous monitoring should be deployed to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive data repositories. The remediation process should also include comprehensive staff training on secure coding practices and the importance of proper key management in maintaining data confidentiality and integrity.