Description Preview
A critical buffer overflow vulnerability (CVE-2021-37165) affects the HMI3 Control Panel in Swisslog Healthcare Nexus Panel running software versions prior to 7.2.5.7. When messages are sent to the HMI TCP socket, they are forwarded to the hmiProcessMsg function through the pendingQ without proper boundary checking, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely. This vulnerability is part of a series of security issues discovered in Swisslog's pneumatic tube system components, collectively known as "PwnedPiper."
Overview
The vulnerability exists in the message processing functionality of the HMI3 Control Panel in Swisslog Healthcare's Nexus Panel system. When a message is sent to the HMI TCP socket, it is forwarded to the hmiProcessMsg function through a queue mechanism called pendingQ. Due to improper input validation and buffer management, this process can trigger a buffer overflow condition. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as these systems are commonly deployed in healthcare environments, where disruption could impact patient care.
Remediation
To address this vulnerability, organizations should:
- Update to Nexus Software version 7.2.5.7 or later, which contains patches for this vulnerability.
- If immediate patching is not possible, implement network segmentation to restrict access to the affected systems.
- Monitor network traffic to and from the Nexus Panel systems for suspicious activity.
- Contact Swisslog Healthcare technical support for guidance specific to your deployment.
- Implement the principle of least privilege for all systems and users that interact with the Nexus Panel.
- Consider implementing additional network security controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to protect vulnerable systems.
References
- Armis Security "PwnedPiper" Research: https://www.armis.com/PwnedPiper
- Swisslog Healthcare Product Information: https://www.swisslog-healthcare.com
- Swisslog Healthcare CVE Disclosures: https://www.swisslog-healthcare.com/en-us/customer-care/security-information/cve-disclosures
- CWE-120: Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow')
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
