Source URL: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2025/01/30/cisa-releases-fact-sheet-detailing-embedded-backdoor-function-contec-cms8000-firmware
Source: Alerts
Title: CISA Releases Fact Sheet Detailing Embedded Backdoor Function of Contec CMS8000 Firmware
Feedly Summary: CISA released a fact sheet, Contec CMS8000 Contains a Backdoor, detailing an analysis of three firmware package versions of the Contec CMS8000, a patient monitor used by the U.S. Healthcare and Public Health (HPH) sector. Analysts discovered that an embedded backdoor function with a hard-coded IP address, CWE – 912: Hidden Functionality (CVE-2025-0626), and functionality that enables patient data spillage, CWE – 359: Exposure of Private Personal Information to an Unauthorized Actor (CVE-2025-0683), exists in all versions analyzed.
Please note the Contec CMS8000 may be re-labeled and sold by resellers. For a list of known re-labeled devices, please refer to FDA’s safety communication, Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities with Certain Patient Monitors from Contec and Epsimed: FDA Safety Communication.
Contec Medical Systems, the company which manufactures this monitor as well as other medical device and healthcare solutions, is headquartered in Qinhuangdao, China. The Contec CMS8000 is used in medical settings across the U.S. and European Union to provide continuous monitoring of a patient’s vital signs—tracking electrocardiogram, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, non-invasive blood pressure, temperature, and respiration rate. CISA assesses that inclusion of this backdoor in the firmware of the patient monitor can create conditions which may allow remote code execution and device modification with the ability to alter its configuration. This introduces risk to patient safety as a malfunctioning patient monitor could lead to an improper response to patient vital signs.
CISA strongly urges HPH sector organizations review the fact sheet and implement FDA’s mitigations. Visit CISA’s Healthcare and Public Health Cybersecurity page to learn more about how to help improve cybersecurity within the HPH sector. For more information and guidance on protection against the most common and impactful threats, tactics, techniques, and procedures, visit CISA’s Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals.
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The CISA fact sheet highlights a significant security vulnerability in the Contec CMS8000 patient monitor, indicating the presence of a backdoor that could compromise patient safety and data integrity. This discovery underscores the importance of vigilant cybersecurity measures within the healthcare sector, especially regarding medical devices.
Detailed Description:
The CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) has released an important fact sheet regarding the Contec CMS8000, a patient monitoring device widely used in the U.S. Healthcare and Public Health sector. The analysis has revealed several critical vulnerabilities:
– **Backdoor Functionality**: A hard-coded IP address was discovered, enabling unauthorized access and control (CWE-912: Hidden Functionality, CVE-2025-0626).
– **Risk of Data Spillage**: There is functionality that permits the potential leakage of sensitive patient data (CWE-359: Exposure of Private Personal Information to an Unauthorized Actor, CVE-2025-0683).
– **Patient Safety Risks**: The identified vulnerabilities could allow for remote code execution and alteration of the device’s functions, potentially leading to false readings and inappropriate medical responses, which pose grave risks to patient safety.
– **Manufacturer Information**: Contec Medical Systems, based in Qinhuangdao, China, produces the CMS8000, which is used in various healthcare settings across the U.S. and the European Union.
– **CISA’s Recommendations**: CISA has urged organizations within the Healthcare and Public Health sector to review this advisory and implement mitigations suggested by the FDA.
Additional points of interest:
– The risk posed by such vulnerabilities is amplified in medical environments where accurate readings are crucial for patient care.
– The fact that these monitors may be re-labeled by resellers raises concerns about the use of potentially vulnerable devices in clinical settings, emphasizing the need for rigorous supply chain oversight.
Healthcare cybersecurity professionals and organizations are advised to take this report seriously and to strengthen their cybersecurity measures to counter potential threats arising from such vulnerabilities in medical devices. Additionally, regular reviews of devices and adherence to compliance guidelines are essential to ensure patient safety and data protection.