Contec Health CMS8000 Patient Monitor (Update A)
Act Now9.8ICS-CERT ICSMA-25-030-01Jan 30, 2025
Attack VectorNetwork
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionNone needed
Summary
Contec Health CMS8000 Patient Monitor contains multiple vulnerabilities (CWE-787 buffer overflow, CWE-912 hidden functionality, CWE-359 information exposure) that allow remote code execution via specially formatted UDP requests or connection to external networks. The device can be exploited to write arbitrary data and leak patient information and sensor data. Simultaneous exploitation of all vulnerable devices on a shared network is possible. All known firmware versions are affected with no fixes available.
What this means
What could happen
An attacker can remotely execute arbitrary code on the patient monitor, potentially altering vital sign displays, alarm thresholds, or stopping the device entirely. Patient data and sensor readings could be leaked to external networks, and all monitors on the same network could be compromised simultaneously.
Who's at risk
Hospital IT and biomedical engineering staff responsible for patient monitoring systems. Affects Contec Health CMS8000 patient monitors used in intensive care, operating rooms, and general patient wards. Any facility using this monitor model is impacted regardless of firmware version.
How it could be exploited
An attacker on the network sends specially formatted UDP packets or establishes a connection to trigger the hidden functionality in the device firmware. This allows the attacker to write arbitrary data to the device memory, achieving remote code execution. Patient information and sensor data can be exfiltrated to external IP addresses (202.114.4.0/24).
Prerequisites
- Network reachability to the CMS8000 device (UDP or unknown protocol)
- No authentication required
- Device must be network-connected
Remotely exploitableNo authentication requiredLow complexity attackNo patch availableAffects critical medical/safety systemsNetwork reachable (if connected)Affects patient data confidentiality
Exploitability
Moderate exploit probability (EPSS 3.4%)
Affected products (4)
4 EOL
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
CMS8000 Patient Monitor Firmware: CMS7.820.075.08/0.74(0.75)CMS7.820.075.08/0.74(0.75)No fix (EOL)
CMS8000 Patient Monitor Firmware: CMS7.820.120.01/0.93(0.95)CMS7.820.120.01/0.93(0.95)No fix (EOL)
CMS8000 Patient Monitor: vers:all/*All versionsNo fix (EOL)
CMS8000 Patient Monitor Firmware: smart3250-2.6.27-wlan2.1.7.cramfssmart3250-2.6.27-wlan2.1.7.cramfsNo fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/7
Do now
0/3HARDENINGRemove all Contec CMS8000 patient monitors from the network and replace with alternative monitoring solutions
WORKAROUNDIf device cannot be removed, block outbound traffic to 202.114.4.0/24 (or specifically 202.114.4.119 and 202.114.4.120) using firewall rules
HARDENINGIsolate CMS8000 devices on a separate, low-privilege network subnet away from critical systems and business networks
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/2Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption
WORKAROUNDDisable network connectivity on the CMS8000 if the device can function in stand-alone mode
HARDENINGEvaluate replacement devices from trusted manufacturers with active security support
Mitigations - no patch available
0/2The following products have reached End of Life with no planned fix: CMS8000 Patient Monitor Firmware: CMS7.820.075.08/0.74(0.75), CMS8000 Patient Monitor Firmware: CMS7.820.120.01/0.93(0.95), CMS8000 Patient Monitor: vers:all/*, CMS8000 Patient Monitor Firmware: smart3250-2.6.27-wlan2.1.7.cramfs. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGImplement network segmentation to ensure medical devices are not accessible from the internet or untrusted networks
HARDENINGMonitor for and report suspected exploitation attempts to CISA
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