CVE-2025-4053 is a vulnerability affecting Be-Tech Mifare Classic card systems, specifically used in hotel guest access control. The core issue is the cleartext storage of sensitive information on the cards, classified under CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information). Because the data on these cards is not encrypted or otherwise protected, an attacker who gains physical access to a single Be-Tech Mifare Classic card can extract the stored data and use it to create a master key card. This master key card can then unlock all locks within the building that rely on the same system, effectively bypassing all access controls. The vulnerability affects all versions of the Be-Tech Mifare Classic card systems, indicating a systemic design flaw rather than a patchable software bug. Remediation requires a comprehensive replacement of the entire system, including software, card encoders, the cards themselves, and the printed circuit boards (PCBs) in the locks. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.8 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack vector is physical (AV:P), requires low attack complexity (AC:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and low privileges (PR:L). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality and integrity highly, as unauthorized access compromises both. There are no known exploits in the wild yet, but the potential for physical cloning attacks is significant given the nature of the vulnerability. This vulnerability highlights the risks of relying on legacy or weak RFID card technologies without encryption or secure storage mechanisms.

For European organizations, especially those in the hospitality sector using Be-Tech Mifare Classic card systems, this vulnerability poses a significant risk of unauthorized physical access. An attacker with temporary access to a single guest card could clone it to gain master access, compromising guest safety, privacy, and property security. This could lead to theft, unauthorized surveillance, or reputational damage. Beyond hotels, any facility using these cards for access control (e.g., offices, residential buildings) is at risk. The breach of physical security can also have cascading effects on IT systems if physical access leads to network or server room entry. The medium CVSS score reflects the physical access requirement, but the impact on confidentiality and integrity is high. European data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) may also be implicated if unauthorized access leads to personal data exposure. The need to replace hardware and software components implies significant operational disruption and financial cost for affected organizations.

Mitigation requires a full system upgrade: replacing the Be-Tech Mifare Classic cards with more secure alternatives that implement strong encryption and secure key storage, such as Mifare DESFire or other modern RFID technologies. The lock PCBs and software must also be updated or replaced to support secure authentication protocols. Organizations should conduct an inventory audit to identify all affected systems and plan phased replacements to minimize disruption. Until replacement, physical security controls should be enhanced to prevent unauthorized card access, such as stricter card issuance and return policies, surveillance, and staff training. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious access patterns can help detect potential misuse. Vendors and integrators should be engaged to ensure secure configuration and deployment of new systems. Finally, organizations should review and update their incident response plans to address potential physical access breaches stemming from this vulnerability.