CVE-2021-37163 : Security Advisory and Response

A permissions issue was found in the HMI3 Control Panel in Swisslog Healthcare Nexus versions prior to Nexus Software 7.2.5.7, leading to hardcoded passwords for two user accounts.

Understanding CVE-2021-37163

This section will cover the details of CVE-2021-37163, including the vulnerability description, impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, mitigation steps, and more.

What is CVE-2021-37163?

CVE-2021-37163 is an insecure permissions issue in the HMI3 Control Panel of Swisslog Healthcare Nexus, where certain versions of the software contain hardcoded passwords for two user accounts.

The Impact of CVE-2021-37163

This vulnerability could allow malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to the affected systems, compromising their confidentiality and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-37163

In this section, we will delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism associated with CVE-2021-37163.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to insecure permissions in the HMI3 Control Panel of Swisslog Healthcare Nexus, allowing unauthorized access through hardcoded passwords.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of Nexus Software before 7.2.5.7 are impacted by CVE-2021-37163, exposing the systems to the risks associated with hardcoded credentials.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the hardcoded passwords to gain unauthorized access to the affected Swisslog Healthcare Nexus systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will discuss the immediate steps to take to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-37163, along with long-term security practices and the importance of applying relevant patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to change the hardcoded passwords for the two user accounts in the HMI3 Control Panel of Swisslog Healthcare Nexus immediately to prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strong password policies, regular security assessments, and access controls can help enhance the overall security posture of the systems to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Users are advised to update their Swisslog Healthcare Nexus software to version 7.2.5.7 or later, where the hardcoded password issue has been addressed through patches and updates.