CVE-2025-32471 identifies a vulnerability in the SICK FLX3-CPUC200 device produced by SICK AG, specifically related to the use of weak credentials due to inadequate password salting. Password salting is a security technique where random data (a salt) is added to passwords before hashing to prevent attackers from easily using precomputed hash tables (rainbow tables) to reverse-engineer passwords. In this case, the device's passwords are not sufficiently salted, making them susceptible to extraction attacks if an attacker gains access to the hashed password data. The vulnerability affects all versions of the SICK FLX3-CPUC200. The CVSS score is 3.7, indicating a low severity level, with the vector showing that exploitation requires network access (AV:N), high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts confidentiality only (C:L), with no impact on integrity or availability. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, and no patches have been released yet. The weakness falls under CWE-1391, which concerns the use of weak credentials due to improper password handling. Given the device is an industrial controller or sensor component (typical for SICK AG products), the vulnerability could allow attackers who gain network access to extract password hashes and potentially attempt offline cracking, compromising confidentiality of credentials. However, the high attack complexity and lack of known exploits reduce immediate risk. The device’s role in industrial environments means that compromised credentials could lead to unauthorized access to control systems if combined with other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations.

For European organizations, especially those in manufacturing, automation, and industrial sectors where SICK AG devices are commonly deployed, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of device credentials. While the direct impact is limited to confidentiality and does not affect integrity or availability, stolen credentials could be leveraged in multi-stage attacks to gain deeper access into industrial control systems or networks. This is particularly concerning for critical infrastructure sectors such as automotive manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and energy production prevalent in Europe. The low CVSS score and high attack complexity suggest that exploitation is not trivial, but organizations with exposed or poorly segmented networks could be at risk. The lack of user interaction and no requirement for privileges means that attackers with network access could attempt to extract password hashes remotely. Given the strategic importance of industrial automation in European economies, any compromise could have cascading effects on operational continuity and safety if attackers use extracted credentials as a foothold for further intrusion.

1. Network Segmentation: Isolate SICK FLX3-CPUC200 devices on dedicated network segments with strict access controls to limit exposure to untrusted networks. 2. Access Controls: Implement strong network-level authentication and restrict access to management interfaces to trusted hosts only. 3. Monitoring and Logging: Enable detailed logging on devices and network equipment to detect unusual access patterns or attempts to retrieve password hashes. 4. Password Management: Where possible, change default passwords and use complex credentials, even if the underlying salting is weak, to increase the difficulty of offline cracking. 5. Vendor Engagement: Engage with SICK AG for updates or patches addressing the salting weakness and apply them promptly once available. 6. Incident Response Preparedness: Develop and test incident response plans for potential credential compromise scenarios involving industrial devices. 7. Physical Security: Ensure physical access to devices is controlled to prevent direct extraction of password data. 8. Network Traffic Encryption: Use VPNs or secure tunnels for remote access to devices to prevent interception of authentication data. 9. Regular Security Assessments: Conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments focusing on industrial control systems to identify and remediate weaknesses proactively.