CVE-2019-11687 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A flaw in the DICOM Part 10 File Format within the NEMA DICOM Standard from 1995 to 2019b allows for the potential inclusion of executable file headers, posing a risk of malware injection.

Understanding CVE-2019-11687

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the DICOM file format that could lead to the execution of malicious files within healthcare systems.

What is CVE-2019-11687?

The vulnerability in the DICOM Part 10 File Format enables the creation of files that can serve dual roles, potentially allowing malware injection and execution within medical imaging systems.

The Impact of CVE-2019-11687

Exploiting this vulnerability requires the execution of a specifically crafted DICOM file, potentially leading to the execution of malware within healthcare environments. Healthcare facilities may unknowingly overlook medical imagery in their anti-malware configurations, leaving critical systems vulnerable.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-11687

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The DICOM Part 10 File Format ambiguity allows for the inclusion of executable file headers, such as Portable Executable (PE) malware, within DICOM files, creating dual-purpose files that can execute malicious code.

Affected Systems and Versions

The NEMA DICOM Standard versions from 1995 to 2019b are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, a specially crafted DICOM Part 10 File Format encoded file must be executed, potentially leading to the execution of malware within healthcare systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-11687 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement strict file format validation to detect and prevent the execution of malicious DICOM files.
Regularly update anti-malware systems to include detection capabilities for DICOM-based malware.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities in medical imaging systems.
Educate healthcare staff on the risks associated with processing suspicious DICOM files and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks like HIPAA.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by DICOM software vendors to address this vulnerability and enhance system security.