CVE-2022-27586 is a critical password recovery vulnerability affecting the SICK SIM1004 device, specifically part number 1098148 with firmware versions earlier than 2.0.0. The vulnerability arises from improper access control in the password recovery mechanism, classified under CWE-306 (Missing Authentication for Critical Function). An unprivileged remote attacker can invoke the password recovery method without authentication, thereby gaining access to a user level defined as RecoverableUserLevel. This unauthorized access effectively escalates the attacker's privileges on the system, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring any user interaction or prior authentication, making it highly accessible to attackers. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting its critical severity, with attack vector as network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). The vulnerability is repeatable, meaning an attacker can reliably exploit it multiple times. The recommended mitigation is to update the firmware to version 2.0.0 or later, which addresses the issue. No known exploits in the wild have been reported yet, but the high severity and ease of exploitation make it a significant threat. The device SICK SIM1004 is typically used in industrial automation and safety applications, which increases the potential impact of compromise.

For European organizations, especially those in industrial sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and automation that utilize SICK SIM1004 devices, this vulnerability poses a severe risk. Exploitation could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access and control over critical industrial safety and automation systems, potentially leading to operational disruptions, safety hazards, and data breaches. The compromise of confidentiality could expose sensitive operational data, while integrity violations could result in malicious manipulation of device behavior, causing process failures or unsafe conditions. Availability impacts could lead to downtime or denial of critical safety functions. Given the criticality of industrial control systems in Europe’s manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, exploitation could have cascading effects on supply chains and safety compliance. The lack of authentication requirement and remote exploitability further increase the risk of widespread attacks if devices are exposed to untrusted networks or insufficiently segmented environments.

European organizations should immediately identify all SICK SIM1004 devices with firmware versions below 2.0.0 in their environments. A prioritized firmware upgrade to version 2.0.0 or later must be performed as soon as possible, using the official firmware available from the SICK Support Portal. Network segmentation should be enforced to isolate industrial control devices from general IT networks and the internet, minimizing exposure. Access controls and monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual authentication or password recovery attempts. Organizations should also review and harden password recovery procedures and consider disabling or restricting remote password recovery mechanisms if possible until patched. Regular vulnerability scanning and asset inventory updates will help ensure no vulnerable devices remain unpatched. Incident response plans should be updated to include this vulnerability scenario. Finally, coordination with SICK AG and relevant industrial cybersecurity authorities in Europe can provide additional guidance and support.