CVE-2020-6965 – This vulnerability allows authenticated attacke... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2020-6965?

CVE-2020-6965 has a CVSS score of 9.9 (CRITICAL). This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files through the software update mechanism in GE Healthcare medical devices and servers. Attackers could execute malicious code, compromise patient data, or disrupt critical healthcare operations. Affected systems include telemetry servers, clinical information centers, and patient monitors running specified vulnerable versions.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files through the software update mechanism in GE Healthcare medical devices and servers. Attackers could execute malicious code, compromise patient data, or disrupt critical healthcare operations. Affected systems include telemetry servers, clinical information centers, and patient monitors running specified vulnerable versions.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

ApexPro Telemetry Server
CARESCAPE Telemetry Server
Clinical Information Center (CIC)
CARESCAPE Central Station (CSCS)
B450
B650
B850

Versions: ApexPro/CARESCAPE Telemetry Server v4.2 and prior, CIC v4.X and 5.X, CSCS v1.X, B450 v2.X, B650 v1.X and 2.X, B850 v1.X and 2.X

Operating Systems: Proprietary medical device OS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: All affected systems are medical devices used in healthcare environments. Authentication is required but may be obtained through credential theft or social engineering.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete system compromise allowing remote code execution, patient data theft, manipulation of medical device functionality, and disruption of critical healthcare monitoring systems.

🟠

Likely Case

Unauthorized file upload leading to system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within healthcare networks.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if proper network segmentation, authentication controls, and file integrity monitoring are implemented.

🌐 Internet-Facing: MEDIUM

🏢 Internal Only: HIGH

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: LOW

Exploitation requires authenticated access but the vulnerability is in a core update mechanism, making it relatively straightforward to exploit once credentials are obtained.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Contact GE Healthcare for specific patched versions

Vendor Advisory: https://www.us-cert.gov/ics/advisories/icsma-20-023-01

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Contact GE Healthcare for security updates. 2. Apply patches following vendor instructions. 3. Restart affected systems. 4. Verify patch installation.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Network Segmentation

all

Isolate affected medical devices from general network traffic and restrict access to update servers

Access Control

all

Implement strict authentication controls and monitor for unauthorized access attempts

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement strict network segmentation to isolate affected devices
Monitor for suspicious file upload activities and unauthorized access attempts

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device version against affected versions list. Review system logs for unauthorized update attempts.

Check Version:

Check device configuration menus or contact GE Healthcare support for version verification

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify with GE Healthcare that patches have been applied. Check version numbers against patched versions.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unauthorized software update attempts
File upload activities outside maintenance windows
Authentication failures followed by update attempts

Network Indicators:

Unusual traffic to update servers
File transfers to medical devices outside scheduled maintenance

SIEM Query:

source="medical_device" AND (event="software_update" OR event="file_upload") AND user!="authorized_maintenance"

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2020-6965

CVSS v3 Score: 9.9 (CRITICAL)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-434

Published: January 24, 2020

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://www.us-cert.gov/ics/advisories/icsma-20-023-01 Third Party Advisory,US Government Resource
https://www3.gehealthcare.com/~/media/downloads/us/support/site-planning/site-readiness/gehc-gateway_project_implementation_guide_pdf.pdf Product
https://www.us-cert.gov/ics/advisories/icsma-20-023-01 Third Party Advisory,US Government Resource

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