CVE-2025-53912: MedDream PACS Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2025-53912 Overview

An arbitrary file read vulnerability exists in the encapsulatedDoc functionality of MedDream PACS Premium 7.3.6.870. This vulnerability allows an attacker to read arbitrary files from the affected system by sending specially crafted HTTP requests. MedDream PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is a medical imaging software used in healthcare environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning due to the sensitive nature of medical data.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to read sensitive files from the server, potentially exposing patient health information (PHI), configuration files containing credentials, and other critical system data in healthcare environments.

Affected Products

• MedDream PACS Premium version 7.3.6.870

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-20 - CVE-2025-53912 published to NVD
• 2026-01-20 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-53912

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path), which occurs when an application uses external input to construct a file path without properly sanitizing or validating the input. In the case of MedDream PACS Premium, the encapsulatedDoc functionality fails to adequately validate user-supplied input in HTTP requests, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths.

The vulnerability is exploitable over the network with low attack complexity. An authenticated attacker can leverage this flaw to read files outside the intended directory structure, potentially accessing sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or protected health information stored on the PACS server.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper input validation within the encapsulatedDoc functionality. The application does not sufficiently sanitize file path parameters received in HTTP requests, allowing path traversal sequences or absolute paths to be processed. This enables an attacker to escape the intended document directory and access files elsewhere on the filesystem.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based, requiring an authenticated attacker to craft malicious HTTP requests targeting the encapsulatedDoc endpoint. The attacker can manipulate request parameters to include path traversal sequences (such as ../) or specify absolute file paths, causing the application to read and return the contents of arbitrary files from the server.

Given that MedDream PACS operates in healthcare environments, successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to patient medical records, DICOM images, system configuration files, or credentials stored on the server. The vulnerability has a changed scope, meaning the impact can extend beyond the vulnerable component itself.

For detailed technical analysis, refer to the Talos Intelligence Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-53912

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests to the encapsulatedDoc endpoint containing path traversal sequences such as ../ or encoded variants
• Access logs showing requests for sensitive system files like /etc/passwd, configuration files, or files outside the PACS data directory
• Unexpected file access patterns in application logs, particularly for files not typically accessed by the PACS application
• Network traffic analysis revealing responses containing contents of system configuration or credential files

Detection Strategies

• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block requests containing path traversal patterns targeting the encapsulatedDoc endpoint
• Enable detailed logging for the MedDream PACS application and monitor for anomalous file access requests
• Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for arbitrary file read attempts against medical imaging systems
• Utilize SentinelOne's behavioral AI to detect unusual file access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Monitor HTTP access logs for requests to encapsulatedDoc with suspicious path parameters or encoded characters
• Set up alerts for access attempts to sensitive system files from the PACS application process
• Review authentication logs for compromised accounts that may be used to exploit this vulnerability
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical configuration files to detect unauthorized read access patterns

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-53912

Immediate Actions Required

• Identify all MedDream PACS Premium 7.3.6.870 installations in your environment and assess their exposure
• Implement network segmentation to restrict access to PACS systems from untrusted networks
• Review and restrict user accounts with access to the vulnerable encapsulatedDoc functionality
• Deploy web application firewall rules to block path traversal attempts targeting the affected endpoint
• Monitor systems for signs of exploitation while awaiting vendor patches

Patch Information

Organizations should consult MedDream for official patch information and security updates. Monitor the Talos Intelligence Vulnerability Report for updates regarding patches and remediation guidance.

Workarounds

• Restrict network access to MedDream PACS systems using firewall rules to limit connectivity to trusted IP addresses only
• Implement a reverse proxy with strict input validation to filter malicious requests before they reach the PACS server
• Disable or restrict access to the encapsulatedDoc functionality if it is not required for clinical operations
• Enable enhanced logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts while awaiting a patch

Network access restrictions can be implemented using firewall rules. The specific configuration will depend on your network infrastructure and security tools. Consult your network security documentation for appropriate access control configurations to limit access to the MedDream PACS system to trusted IP addresses and networks only.