Overview
A critical security vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-12995, has been discovered in the Medtronic CareLink Network. This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to perform a brute-force attack on an API endpoint. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow the attacker to determine a valid password under certain circumstances. This vulnerability affects CareLink Network versions prior to December 4, 2025.
Technical Details
The vulnerability resides in a publicly accessible API endpoint within the Medtronic CareLink Network. The endpoint lacks sufficient rate limiting or account lockout mechanisms, making it susceptible to brute-force attacks. An attacker can repeatedly send password guesses to this endpoint until a valid password is found. The specific API endpoint affected is not publicly disclosed for security reasons; however, Medtronic has provided details to affected parties and security researchers through their responsible disclosure program.
CVSS Analysis
The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 8.1, indicating a high severity. The CVSS vector is not publicly available but the score reflects the potential for remote, unauthenticated exploitation leading to unauthorized access. This score highlights the urgency of applying the available mitigation measures.
Possible Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to several serious consequences:
- Unauthorized Access to Patient Data: Attackers could gain access to sensitive patient information stored within the CareLink Network.
- Compromised Device Control: In certain scenarios, attackers may be able to manipulate or control connected medical devices.
- Service Disruption: The brute-force attack itself could cause denial-of-service conditions, disrupting the availability of the CareLink Network.
- Reputational Damage: Medtronic could suffer significant reputational damage as a result of a successful attack.
Mitigation and Patch Steps
Medtronic has released an update to address this vulnerability. Users of the CareLink Network are strongly advised to take the following steps:
- Apply the Update: Immediately update the CareLink Network software to the version released on or after December 4, 2025.
- Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Continuously monitor network traffic and access logs for any signs of brute-force attacks or unauthorized access.
- Implement Strong Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies for all CareLink Network accounts.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): If available, enable MFA for all CareLink Network accounts to add an extra layer of security.
