CVE-2019-6540 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2019-6540 affecting Medtronic devices due to Conexus telemetry protocol vulnerability. Discover impact, affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
This CVE involves the Conexus telemetry protocol used in various Medtronic devices, allowing for potential interception of sensitive information due to the lack of encryption.
Understanding CVE-2019-6540
This vulnerability affects multiple Medtronic products due to the absence of encryption in the Conexus telemetry protocol.
What is CVE-2019-6540?
The Conexus telemetry protocol in Medtronic devices lacks encryption, enabling attackers in close proximity to intercept sensitive data transmissions.
The Impact of CVE-2019-6540
The vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information transmitted by affected Medtronic devices, potentially compromising patient data and privacy.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-6540
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The Conexus telemetry protocol in Medtronic devices does not implement encryption, allowing nearby attackers to eavesdrop on communications and access sensitive data.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Conexus Radio Frequency Telemetry Protocol (n/a)
- MyCareLink Monitor (24950, 24952)
- CareLink Monitor (2490C)
- CareLink 2090 Programmer (n/a)
- Various CRT-D and ICD devices
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers with short-range access to the affected devices can intercept unencrypted communications, potentially accessing sensitive patient information.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting against CVE-2019-6540 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Implement additional security controls to secure communications
- Monitor for any unauthorized access or data interception
- Consider physical security measures to restrict proximity access
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update device firmware to include encryption features
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities
- Educate users on secure device usage and data protection
Patching and Updates
- Contact Medtronic for firmware updates that address the encryption issue
- Stay informed about security advisories and patches from the vendor