CVE-2021-37167:Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in Swisslog Healthcare Nexus Panel HMI3 Control Panel

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CVE-2021-37167 affects the HMI3 Control Panel in Swisslog Healthcare Nexus Panel operated by software versions prior to Nexus Software 7.2.5.7. The vulnerability allows a user logged in with default credentials to gain root access to the device, effectively granting unrestricted permissions to all device functionality. This insecure permissions issue (CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management) creates a significant security risk for healthcare facilities using these pneumatic tube systems for critical material transport.

Overview

This vulnerability exists in the Swisslog Healthcare Nexus Panel HMI3 Control Panel, which is part of the pneumatic tube system (PTS) widely used in hospitals for transporting medications, lab samples, and other materials. The issue stems from improper privilege management that allows users with default credentials to escalate their privileges to root level. Once root access is obtained, an attacker could potentially control all aspects of the system, modify configurations, access sensitive data, or disrupt critical hospital operations. This vulnerability is part of a series of security issues discovered in the Swisslog PTS system, collectively known as "PwnedPiper."

Remediation

  1. Update to Nexus Software version 7.2.5.7 or later, which contains fixes for this vulnerability.
  2. Change all default credentials immediately, implementing strong password policies.
  3. Implement network segmentation to isolate the PTS system from other hospital networks.
  4. Restrict physical access to the Nexus Panel control systems.
  5. Monitor system logs for unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activities.
  6. Contact Swisslog Healthcare technical support for specific guidance on implementing security patches and best practices.
  7. Conduct regular security assessments of the PTS system to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

References

  1. Swisslog Healthcare Security Bulletin: https://www.swisslog-healthcare.com/-/media/swisslog-healthcare/documents/customer-service/armis-documents/cve-2021-37167-bulletin---privilege-escalation.pdf
  2. Swisslog Healthcare CVE Disclosures: https://www.swisslog-healthcare.com/en-us/customer-care/security-information/cve-disclosures
  3. Armis PwnedPiper Research: https://www.armis.com/PwnedPiper (Note: Link may be broken)
  4. Swisslog Healthcare Official Website: https://www.swisslog-healthcare.com
  5. CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management: https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/269.html

Industry ExposureMost to least
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.

  1. Health Care & Social Assistance: Low
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  2. Accommodation & Food Services: Low
    Accommodation & Food Services
  3. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  4. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  5. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  6. Construction: Low
    Construction
  7. Educational Services: Low
    Educational Services
  8. Finance and Insurance: Low
    Finance and Insurance
  9. Information: Low
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises: Low
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing: Low
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining: Low
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration: Low
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade: Low
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing: Low
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities: Low
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade: Low
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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