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Ethicon Endo-Surgery Generator G11 Vulnerability

Monitor4.8ICS-CERT ICSMA-17-332-01Nov 28, 2017
Attack VectorPhysical
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityHigh
User InteractionNone needed
Summary

Johnson & Johnson reported an improper authentication vulnerability in the Ethicon Endo-Surgery Generator Gen11 that allows bypassing credential checks. The vulnerability affects all Gen11 devices manufactured before November 29, 2017. Ethicon has released a field cybersecurity update available as of November 29, 2017 to mitigate the issue.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker with physical access to the device could bypass authentication controls and potentially alter generator settings or parameters, affecting surgical procedures and patient safety.
Who's at risk
Hospital operating rooms and surgical centers using Ethicon Endo-Surgery Generator Gen11 devices for electrosurgical procedures. This affects surgical staff and patients undergoing procedures where the generator controls energy delivery (cutting, coagulation).
How it could be exploited
An attacker would need physical access to the Ethicon Generator Gen11 device. The improper authentication mechanism allows the attacker to bypass credential checks and gain control of the device without valid authentication, potentially enabling manipulation of surgical energy delivery parameters.
Prerequisites
  • Physical access to the Ethicon Generator Gen11 device
  • Device running firmware version prior to November 29, 2017
improper authenticationaffects safety systemsphysical access required
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.1%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
Ethicon Endo-Surgery Generator Gen11: all< november 29 2017firmware released November 29, 2017 or later
Remediation & Mitigation
0/2
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/2

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HOTFIXUpdate Ethicon Generator Gen11 firmware to version released November 29, 2017 or later
HOTFIXContact Ethicon Customer Support (1-877-ETHICON) to coordinate field cybersecurity update installation and scheduling
View full CISA ICS-CERT advisory
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