CVE-2025-4395 is a security vulnerability identified in the Medtronic MyCareLink Patient Monitor models 24950 and 24952, specifically in versions released before June 25, 2025. The vulnerability arises from a built-in user account configured with an empty password, effectively allowing any individual with physical access to the device to log in without authentication. This lack of password protection enables unauthorized users to access and modify system functionality, potentially altering device behavior or patient monitoring data. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-258 (Use of Empty Password), indicating a fundamental authentication weakness. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.8, reflecting a medium severity level. The attack vector is physical access (AV:P), with low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction needed (UI:N). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H), meaning an attacker could fully compromise the device's data and operation. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. Given the critical role of the MyCareLink Patient Monitor in patient health monitoring, unauthorized modification could have serious clinical consequences.

For European healthcare organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to patient safety and data integrity. The MyCareLink Patient Monitor is used to track vital signs and other critical health parameters; unauthorized access could lead to falsified monitoring data, incorrect treatment decisions, or disruption of monitoring services. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means patient health information could be exposed or altered, violating GDPR requirements for data protection and potentially leading to regulatory penalties. Additionally, the physical access requirement implies that insider threats or unauthorized visitors in healthcare facilities could exploit this vulnerability. The disruption or manipulation of patient monitoring could have life-threatening consequences, making this a critical patient safety issue beyond just data security. European hospitals and clinics using these devices must be aware of the risk and act promptly to mitigate it.

1. Immediate physical security enhancements: Restrict and monitor physical access to the MyCareLink Patient Monitor devices to trusted personnel only, using access controls such as locked rooms or cabinets and surveillance. 2. Device inventory and audit: Identify all deployed MyCareLink Patient Monitor 24950 and 24952 devices and verify firmware versions and configurations. 3. Vendor coordination: Engage with Medtronic for official patches or firmware updates addressing this vulnerability; apply updates as soon as they become available. 4. Temporary configuration changes: If possible, disable or change the built-in user account password through device management interfaces or local configuration tools. 5. Network segmentation: Isolate patient monitors on dedicated, secure network segments to limit lateral movement if compromised. 6. Incident response planning: Prepare for potential exploitation scenarios by establishing monitoring for unusual device behavior and defining procedures for rapid response and device replacement if needed. 7. Staff training: Educate healthcare staff about the importance of physical device security and recognizing signs of tampering or unauthorized access. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on physical security controls, vendor engagement, and operational procedures tailored to the healthcare environment.