Fortinet Discovers Abbott FreeStyle Libre Sensor Unlock Code

Summary

Fortinet's FortiGuard Labs has discovered a NFC memory unlock code in certain Abbott FreeStyle Libre sensors.


The sensor's memory, which contains glucose measures, sensor region or other code, is normally locked in read-only state. Unlocking the sensor makes it possible to write the memory.


Note that the unlock command is communicated over NFC, thus requiring close proximity to an individual sensor.


Solutions

This vulnerability has been addressed in FreeStyle Libre 14-day in the U.S (announced in August 2018), and FreeStyle Libre 2 outside the U.S (announced in October 2018).

Timeline

Fortinet reported the vulnerability to Abbott on September 5, 2019.

Acknowledgement

This vulnerability was discovered by Travis Goodspeed, with help of Axelle Apvrille of Fortinet's FortiGuard Labs.

IPS Subscription

Fortinet customers who subscribe to Fortinet's intrusion prevention (IPS) service should be protected against this vulnerability with the appropriate configuration parameters in place. Fortinet's IPS service is one component of FortiGuard Subscription Services, which also offer comprehensive solutions such as antivirus, Web content filtering and antispam capabilities. These services enable protection against threats on both application and network layers. FortiGuard Services are continuously updated by FortiGuard Labs, which enables Fortinet to deliver a combination of multi-layered security intelligence and true zero-day protection from new and emerging threats. These updates are delivered to all FortiGate, FortiMail and FortiClient products. Fortinet strictly follows responsible disclosure guidelines to ensure optimum protection during a threat's lifecycle.