CVE-2023-1968:Illumina Universal Copy Service v2.x vulnerability allows unauthenticated access due to binding to unrestricted IP addresses.

splash
Back

Description Preview

Illumina Universal Copy Service (UCS) v2.x contains a security vulnerability where the service binds to unrestricted IP addresses. This allows the service to listen on all IP addresses, including those capable of accepting remote communications. An unauthenticated malicious actor could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the system, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of data processed by Illumina instruments.

Overview

The vulnerability in Illumina Universal Copy Service v2.x stems from improper network configuration where the service binds to all available IP addresses rather than restricting access to specific, secure interfaces. This creates an attack vector where remote attackers can connect to the service without requiring authentication. Since UCS is used for data transfer in genomic sequencing instruments, this vulnerability could potentially expose sensitive research or clinical data. The issue affects instruments running UCS v2.x and could lead to unauthorized data access, manipulation, or system compromise.

Remediation

Organizations using Illumina instruments with Universal Copy Service v2.x should:

  1. Update to the latest version of UCS as provided by Illumina through their support portal
  2. If immediate updates are not possible, implement network segmentation to restrict access to affected instruments
  3. Configure firewalls to block unauthorized external access to the UCS service ports
  4. Monitor network traffic to and from Illumina instruments for suspicious activity
  5. Follow Illumina's security advisories and implement their recommended mitigations
  6. Contact Illumina support for specific guidance related to your instrument configuration

References

  1. Illumina Universal Copy Service Documentation: https://support.illumina.com/downloads/illumina-universal-copy-service-1-0.html
  2. CISA ICS Medical Advisory (ICSMA-23-117-01): https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-medical-advisories/icsma-23-117-01
  3. CVE-2023-1968 in the National Vulnerability Database

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. Accommodation & Food Services: Low
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction: Low
    Construction
  6. Educational Services: Low
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance: Low
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance: Low
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  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.

Let's talk!

background