---
title: "Critical Vulnerability in Varex Dental Imaging Software Grants SYSTEM Privileges"
short_title: "Varex Dental Software flaw allows SYSTEM access"
description: "CVE-2024-22774 in Varex Imaging's Panoramic Dental Software enables attackers to gain NT Authority/SYSTEM privileges. Patch now to secure healthcare systems."
author: "Vitus"
date: 2025-01-24
categories: [Cybersecurity, Vulnerabilities]
tags: [cve-2024-22774, dll hijacking, healthcare security, privilege escalation, varex imaging]
score: 0.78
cve_ids: [CVE-2024-22774]
---
TL;DR
A critical vulnerability (CVE-2024-22774) in Varex Imaging’s Panoramic Dental Imaging Software allows attackers to exploit a DLL hijacking flaw, granting them NT Authority/SYSTEM privileges. The flaw affects versions prior to 6.6.1.490 and poses a severe risk to healthcare systems. Varex has released a patch—users must update immediately to mitigate risks.
---
Main Content
Healthcare Systems at Risk: Critical Flaw in Varex Dental Imaging Software
A newly disclosed vulnerability in Varex Imaging’s Panoramic Dental Imaging Software could allow attackers to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level, the highest authority in Windows environments. This flaw, tracked as CVE-2024-22774, highlights the growing cybersecurity risks facing healthcare institutions, where sensitive patient data and critical infrastructure are prime targets for cybercriminals.
---
Key Points
- Vulnerability: Uncontrolled Search Path Element (CWE-427) leading to DLL hijacking.
- Impact: Exploitation grants NT Authority/SYSTEM privileges to standard users.
- Affected Software: Varex Imaging’s Panoramic Dental Imaging Software (versions prior to 6.6.1.490).
- Severity: CVSS v4 score of 8.5 (High), with a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8.
- Mitigation: Varex has released a patch—users must update affected systems immediately.
---
Technical Details
#### Affected Products
The vulnerability impacts AJAT Dental Imaging Software, a product line owned by Varex Imaging. Specifically:
- Panoramic Dental Imaging Software: All versions prior to 6.6.1.490.
#### Vulnerability Overview
The flaw stems from an Uncontrolled Search Path Element (CWE-427), which enables DLL hijacking. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM-level privileges, bypassing standard user restrictions. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in healthcare environments, where compromised systems can lead to data breaches, ransomware attacks, or disruption of critical services.
- CVE ID: [CVE-2024-22774](https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2024-22774)
- CVSS v3.1 Vector: `AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H` (Base Score: 7.8)
- CVSS v4 Vector: `AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N` (Base Score: 8.5)
#### Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploited locally, meaning an attacker must have access to the target system. However, the low attack complexity and potential for privilege escalation make it a significant threat. Once exploited, attackers can:
- Gain full control over the affected system.
- Access or modify sensitive patient data.
- Deploy additional malware or ransomware.
---
Impact Assessment
#### Healthcare Sector at Risk
The Healthcare and Public Health (HPH) sector is particularly vulnerable due to its reliance on specialized imaging software for diagnostics and treatment. A successful exploit could:
- Disrupt medical services, leading to delayed patient care.
- Expose sensitive patient data, violating privacy regulations like HIPAA.
- Enable ransomware attacks, crippling hospital operations.
#### Geographical Scope
While the affected software is primarily deployed in North America, the implications of this vulnerability extend globally, as similar dental imaging systems are used worldwide.
---
Mitigation Steps
Varex Imaging has released a patch to address this vulnerability. Users must take the following steps immediately:
1. Download the Patch:
- Access the patch via Varex Imaging’s [SharePoint link](https://vareximaging.sharepoint.com/:f:/r/sites/External/DetectorSW/Software/PC/SNAP/Ajat%20Dental%20SW?csf=1&web=1&e=hdFtCI).
- Run the file `AJAT_DENTAL_IMAGING_9.4.55.9888.exe` on all workstations running the affected software.
2. Contact Varex Imaging:
- For assistance, reach out to Varex Imaging via their [contact page](https://www.vareximaging.com/contact/).
3. Defensive Measures:
- Minimize network exposure for control system devices to prevent unauthorized access.
- Isolate critical systems behind firewalls and segment them from business networks.
- Use secure remote access methods, such as VPNs, and ensure they are updated to the latest version.
- Follow CISA’s recommended practices for [ICS security](https://www.cisa.gov/topics/industrial-control-systems).
4. Monitor for Suspicious Activity:
- Organizations should monitor systems for signs of exploitation and report any suspicious activity to CISA.
---
Conclusion
The discovery of CVE-2024-22774 underscores the critical need for proactive cybersecurity measures in healthcare. With SYSTEM-level privileges at stake, the vulnerability poses a severe risk to patient data and hospital operations. Immediate patching is essential to prevent exploitation, and healthcare institutions must prioritize defensive strategies to safeguard their systems.
As cyber threats evolve, staying vigilant and adopting best practices for cybersecurity—such as those outlined by CISA—is paramount. For more information, refer to CISA’s [ICS security resources](https://www.cisa.gov/topics/industrial-control-systems).
---
References
[^1]: CISA. "[ICSM Medical Advisory: Varex Imaging Panoramic Dental Imaging Software](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-medical-advisories/icsma-25-345-02)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^2]: MITRE. "[CWE-427: Uncontrolled Search Path Element](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/427.html)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^3]: Varex Imaging. "[Contact and Support](https://www.vareximaging.com/contact/)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.