Description Preview
CVE-2021-25920 affects OpenEMR versions v2.7.2-rc1 to 6.0.0. This vulnerability stems from improper access control during the user creation process. The security flaw enables malicious users to read and send sensitive messages on behalf of victim users, potentially compromising confidential patient information and communications within the healthcare management system.
Overview
This vulnerability (CWE-178: Improper Handling of Case Sensitivity) in OpenEMR allows unauthorized users to bypass access controls when new users are created in the system. The issue occurs because of improper handling of case sensitivity in user authentication or authorization mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to private messages, read confidential patient communications, and send messages while impersonating legitimate users. Given that OpenEMR is widely used for managing electronic health records, this vulnerability poses significant privacy and security risks to healthcare organizations and their patients.
Remediation
Organizations using affected versions of OpenEMR should take the following actions:
- Update to the latest version of OpenEMR that contains the security patch.
- Apply the patch directly from the GitHub repository if immediate updating is not possible (reference: https://github.com/openemr/openemr/commit/0fadc3e592d84bc9dfe9e0403f8bd6e3c7d8427f).
- Conduct a security audit to determine if any unauthorized access has occurred.
- Review user access logs for suspicious activities.
- Consider implementing additional access controls and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts.
- Educate staff about the importance of reporting unusual system behavior.
References
- Patch Commit: https://github.com/openemr/openemr/commit/0fadc3e592d84bc9dfe9e0403f8bd6e3c7d8427f
- Vulnerability Database Entry: https://www.whitesourcesoftware.com/vulnerability-database/CVE-2021-25920
- CWE-178: Improper Handling of Case Sensitivity - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/178.html
- OpenEMR Security Documentation: https://www.open-emr.org/wiki/index.php/OpenEMR_Security
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- ConstructionConstruction
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
