The recent ransomware attack on MedStar Health’s computer systems came through from a well-known security vulnerability in an application server, according to an article on the Healthcare Finance website.
The attack occurred after hackers discovered that MedStar uses JBoss, an application server with a recognized design flaw. The hackers used a virus-like software to scan the Internet for vulnerable JBoss servers.
Security researchers found that the JBoss application server was routinely misconfigured to allow unauthorized outside users to gain control.
The US government, Red Hat Inc., and other groups released warnings about the security issue in February 2007 and March 2010. MedStar could have fixed the vulnerability by installing a patch for the system or manually deleting two lines of software code.
Fire at Assisted Living Facility Kills 9, Injures 30
North Carolina Children's Health Selects Apex for Campus Location
Designing for Access: Addressing Pharmacy Deserts with Flexible Solutions
Baylor Scott & White Health Set to Open New Texas Medical Center 
The Future of Backup Power Systems in Healthcare Facilities