Description Preview
A critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CVE-2021-37164) exists in the Swisslog Healthcare Nexus Panel HMI3 Control Panel in versions prior to Nexus Software 7.2.5.7. The vulnerability occurs in the tcpTxThread function where received data is copied to a stack buffer without proper boundary checks, resulting in an off-by-3 condition that leads to a stack-based buffer overflow. This vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially compromising the integrity and security of healthcare pneumatic tube systems that are used for critical hospital operations.
Overview
This vulnerability affects the Swisslog Healthcare Nexus Panel, which is a component of pneumatic tube systems widely used in hospitals for transporting medications, lab samples, and other critical materials. The issue is a CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) vulnerability in the tcpTxThread function that processes network data. When the function copies received data to a stack buffer, an off-by-3 condition can occur, resulting in a stack-based buffer overflow. This could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability is part of a larger set of vulnerabilities discovered in the Swisslog Healthcare pneumatic tube system, collectively known as "PwnedPiper."
Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should:
- Update to Nexus Software version 7.2.5.7 or later, which contains fixes for this vulnerability.
- If immediate patching is not possible, implement network segmentation to isolate the pneumatic tube system from other hospital networks.
- Monitor network traffic to and from the Nexus Panel for suspicious activity.
- Consider implementing additional access controls to restrict who can communicate with the system.
- Contact Swisslog Healthcare support for assistance with security updates and best practices for securing your pneumatic tube system.
References
- Swisslog Healthcare Vendor Advisory: https://www.swisslog-healthcare.com/-/media/swisslog-healthcare/documents/customer-service/armis-documents/cve-2021-37164-bulletin---off-by-three-stack-overflow-in-tcptxthread.pdf
- Swisslog Healthcare CVE Disclosures: https://www.swisslog-healthcare.com/en-us/customer-care/security-information/cve-disclosures
- Armis PwnedPiper Research: https://www.armis.com/PwnedPiper (Note: Link may be broken, check for updated information)
- Swisslog Healthcare Product Information: https://www.swisslog-healthcare.com
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.
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance: Low
- Educational ServicesEducational Services: Low
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services: Low
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
- ConstructionConstruction: Low
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance: Low
- InformationInformation: Low
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises: Low
- ManufacturingManufacturing: Low
- MiningMining: Low
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration: Low
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
- Retail TradeRetail Trade: Low
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing: Low
- UtilitiesUtilities: Low
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade: Low
