Critical Qardio Device Vulnerabilities: Security Advisory Analysis

On February 13, 2025, cybersecurity authorities issued an advisory detailing critical vulnerabilities affecting several Qardio devices, including the Qardio Heart Health iOS and Android applications—as well as the QardioARM A100 hardware device. Windows users, IT professionals, and cybersecurity enthusiasts alike should take note of these issues, as they underscore the growing risks in interconnected healthcare and IoT systems.
In this article, we’ll break down the advisory in depth, explain the technical details, and provide actionable guidance to help you mitigate associated risks.

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Overview of the Vulnerabilities​

The advisory pinpoints three primary vulnerabilities with varying levels of severity:

• Exposure of Private Personal Information to an Unauthorized Actor (CWE-359)
• Uncaught Exception Leading to a Denial-of-Service (CWE-248)
• Files or Directories Accessible to External Parties (CWE-552)

Collectively, these issues could allow attackers to:

• Gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data, such as usernames and passwords.
• Exploit an engineering backdoor within the mobile application.
• Launch denial-of-service (DoS) attacks by flooding device communications.
• Retrieve firmware files that could be reverse engineered to compromise device integrity.

While the vulnerabilities are not exploitable remotely, they represent serious concerns if attackers manage to operate within the same physical or local network environment.

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Affected Products​

The vulnerabilities identified in the advisory affect the following products from Qardio:

• Qardio Heart Health iOS Mobile Application: Version 2.7.4
• Qardio Heart Health Android Mobile Application: Version 2.5.1
• QardioARM A100: All versions

Cybersecurity experts caution that these products, which play a crucial role in healthcare data monitoring, might be used in settings where discreet handling of sensitive information is critical. For Windows administrators and healthcare IT departments, ensuring that connected ecosystems and peripheral devices are secure is essential.

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Detailed Analysis of Vulnerabilities​

1. Exposure of Private Personal Information (CWE-359)​

The first vulnerability involves a critical data exposure issue in the Qardio Heart Health iOS application. Sensitive data, including usernames and passwords, are stored in a plist file unprotected. Here’s what that means:

• Attack Vector: An attacker with physical or local network access can retrieve this file.
• Consequences: With these credentials, adversaries can log in to production-level development accounts and access an engineering backdoor.
• Backdoor Risks: Once inside, the attacker can use a UI-based terminal to send hex-based commands, essentially manipulating the device or accessing further system functionalities.

To put it into perspective: Imagine leaving your house door not completely locked. While you might think a simple spark might not be a problem, a determined burglar could easily push the door open from the back—similarly, this vulnerability leaves a critical entry point unguarded for cyber intruders.
CVSS Scores:

• CVSS v3.1: Base score of 6.2 (AV/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:L)
• CVSS v4: Base score of 6.9 (AV/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:L/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N)

2. Uncaught Exception Through a Denial-of-Service (CWE-248)​

The second vulnerability leverages an uncaught exception issue within the device's operational framework. Here’s the breakdown:

• Attack Vector: A specially crafted Python script can send continuous startMeasurement commands over an unencrypted Bluetooth connection.
• Impact: This barrage of commands effectively floods the device, preventing connection to the clinician’s app and denying legitimate patient readings.
• Consequences: Beyond simply interrupting service, prolonged exploitation could lead to significant operational disruptions in clinical environments.

For Windows users managing a diverse ecosystem of devices, this vulnerability is a stark reminder of how even seemingly benign communication protocols, like Bluetooth, can be manipulated to cause havoc.
CVSS Scores:

• CVSS v3.1: Base score of 7.1 (AV:A/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:H)
• CVSS v4: Base score of 7.2 (AV:A/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:L/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N)

3. Files or Directories Accessible to External Parties (CWE-552)​

The final vulnerability points to improper permissions set on firmware files that are accessible externally via both the iOS and Android applications.

• Attack Vector: This flaw enables an attacker to retrieve firmware files.
• Impact: With access to firmware, an attacker could reverse engineer the code, leading to a compromise of both the confidentiality and integrity of the device.
• Long-Term Security: Firmware reverse engineering could reveal further vulnerabilities, creating a cascade effect of security breaches.

Think of it like leaving the blueprints of your secure vault out in the open. Once an attacker understands the internals of your technology, they can design more targeted attacks to bypass security measures.
CVSS Scores:

• CVSS v3.1: Base score of 6.4 (AV/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:L)
• CVSS v4: Base score of 6.9 (AV/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:L/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N)

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Broader Implications for Cybersecurity​

While these vulnerabilities impact Qardio products specifically, the underlying issues resonate across the broader Internet of Things (IoT) and healthcare device landscapes. For organizations that deploy connected technologies, the advisory serves as a wake-up call to rigorously validate security practices:

• Data Protection: Even simple oversights—like leaving a sensitive file unencrypted—can have dire consequences.
• Network Vulnerability: Unencrypted Bluetooth communications are an open invitation for attackers within the proximity.
• Firmware Security: Secure handling of firmware is vital. Access to these files provides attackers with deep insights into a device’s inner workings.

For Windows users, this is especially relevant in terms of protecting corporate and clinical data. Whether you’re managing patient records or simply ensuring your workspace’s network remains secure, understanding these vulnerabilities helps you appreciate the intricate dance between convenience and security.

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Mitigation Strategies​

Given the advisory’s details, here are some steps you should consider if you are responsible for environments where Qardio devices are in use:

• Disable Bluetooth When Not in Use: Unencrypted Bluetooth channels are the easiest entry point for attackers. Turning off Bluetooth when it’s unnecessary reduces your surface area of attack.
• Avoid Using Devices in Public Spaces: Use these devices in controlled environments where potential attackers are less likely to be in proximity.
• Use Only Trusted Mobile Apps: Ensure that mobile applications come from verified sources and vendors to mitigate the risk of introducing compromised software into your network.
• Conduct Regular Impact Assessments: Follow best practices for risk analysis in line with guidance provided for industrial control systems (ICS) security. Assess any connected device's impact on your broader IT ecosystem.
• Monitor for Suspicious Activity: In case you suspect malicious activity, have a response plan in place. Report any anomalies to your internal security team or the appropriate authorities.

Organizations that handle healthcare or other sensitive information should not delay in applying these mitigations. While Qardio has yet to offer fixes or updates for these vulnerabilities, the onus falls on users and IT administrators to exercise vigilance.

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Final Thoughts​

This advisory highlights an essential lesson for tech users and cybersecurity professionals: the importance of defense-in-depth. For Windows users managing a fleet of devices or healthcare IT systems, awareness and proactive monitoring are paramount to securing sensitive data and keeping networks running smoothly.
The vulnerabilities in Qardio devices underscore how multiple flaws—from improper data storage to unsecured communication channels—can intersect to create significant security risks. In an era where data breaches and cyberattacks are increasingly common, staying informed and prepared is your best line of defense.
Have you experienced similar vulnerabilities in connected devices? What steps are you taking to ensure that your network and personal data remain secure? Feel free to share your thoughts and strategies on the forum. Staying informed and engaged is key to navigating the complex landscape of cybersecurity.
Stay safe, stay updated, and keep a close watch on all your connected devices!

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Source: CISA Qardio Heart Health IOS and Android Application and QardioARM A100 | CISA