CVE-2018-14799 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

The PageWriter cardiographs manufactured by Philips, specifically the TC10, TC20, TC30, TC50, and TC70 models, have a security flaw in versions released before May 2018. These versions do not properly cleanse user-entered data, which opens up the possibility of buffer overflow or format string vulnerabilities.

Understanding CVE-2018-14799

This CVE relates to a security vulnerability in Philips PageWriter TC10, TC20, TC30, TC50, and TC70 Cardiographs that were released before May 2018.

What is CVE-2018-14799?

CVE-2018-14799 is a vulnerability found in the PageWriter cardiographs by Philips, where user-entered data is not sanitized, leading to potential buffer overflow or format string vulnerabilities.

The Impact of CVE-2018-14799

The security flaw in affected versions of the PageWriter cardiographs could allow malicious actors to exploit the device, potentially compromising patient data and the integrity of the device itself.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-14799

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the failure of the PageWriter device to properly sanitize user-entered data, creating a risk of buffer overflow or format string vulnerabilities.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: PageWriter TC10, TC20, TC30, TC50, TC70 Cardiographs
Vendor: Philips
Versions Affected: All versions released before May 2018

Exploitation Mechanism

The lack of proper data cleansing in the affected versions could allow attackers to input malicious data that triggers buffer overflow or format string vulnerabilities.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2018-14799, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest firmware or software version provided by Philips.
Implement network segmentation to isolate the affected devices.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all medical devices with the latest patches and security updates.
Conduct security training for staff to recognize and report potential security threats.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Philips and apply patches promptly to mitigate known vulnerabilities.