CVE-2021-27489
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows non-administrative users to upload malicious files to the ZOLL Defibrillator Dashboard web application, potentially enabling remote code execution. It affects ZOLL Defibrillator Dashboard versions prior to 2.2. Healthcare organizations using this medical device management software are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- ZOLL Defibrillator Dashboard
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker gains full control of the defibrillator dashboard system, potentially compromising connected medical devices, stealing sensitive patient data, or disrupting critical healthcare operations.
Likely Case
An attacker with basic user access uploads a malicious file to execute commands, potentially gaining administrative privileges or accessing sensitive medical device data.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, the impact is limited to the dashboard application itself without affecting connected medical devices.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a valid user account but no administrative privileges. The vulnerability is in file upload functionality.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.2
Vendor Advisory: https://www.zoll.com/medical-products/software/defibrillator-dashboard
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Contact ZOLL technical support for version 2.2 update. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Install the 2.2 update following vendor instructions. 4. Restart the system. 5. Verify the update was successful.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict File Upload Permissions
allConfigure the application to only allow administrative users to upload files.
Implement File Type Restrictions
allConfigure web application firewall or application settings to block executable file uploads.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate the dashboard system on a separate network segment with strict access controls
- Implement application-level monitoring for file upload activities and command execution attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the dashboard version in the application interface or configuration files. Versions below 2.2 are vulnerable.Check Version:
Check the application's About or Help menu, or examine the installation directory for version information.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the application version shows 2.2 or higher after patching. Test file upload functionality with non-admin accounts.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file uploads by non-administrative users
- Execution of unexpected system commands
- Failed file upload attempts with suspicious extensions
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from the dashboard system
- Traffic patterns indicating command and control activity
SIEM Query:
source="ZOLL Dashboard" AND (event="file_upload" AND user_role!="admin") OR (event="command_execution")