CVE-2025-49181 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting all versions of the SICK Media Server, a product developed by SICK AG, a company specializing in industrial sensor solutions. The vulnerability stems from a missing authorization check on a specific API endpoint within the media server. This flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker to send HTTP GET requests to retrieve sensitive information from the server without any access controls. Furthermore, the attacker can send HTTP POST requests to modify critical configuration parameters, specifically the root path for log files and the TCP ports on which the service operates. By altering these parameters, the attacker can disrupt normal service operation, potentially causing a Denial of Service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization), indicating that the system fails to verify whether the requester has the necessary permissions to perform the requested actions. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.6, reflecting a high impact due to the combination of network accessibility (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and a scope that is unchanged (S:U). The impact on confidentiality and integrity is limited but present (both rated low), while availability impact is high due to the potential DoS. No known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date (June 12, 2025), and no patches have been released yet. The vulnerability affects all versions of the SICK Media Server, indicating a widespread exposure for users of this product. The missing authorization on the API endpoint represents a critical security oversight, especially given the industrial context in which SICK Media Server is deployed, where reliability and data integrity are paramount.

For European organizations, especially those in industrial automation, manufacturing, logistics, and infrastructure sectors that rely on SICK AG products, this vulnerability poses significant risks. Unauthorized access to sensitive information could lead to leakage of operational data or system configurations, potentially aiding further attacks. More critically, the ability to modify log file paths and TCP ports can disrupt monitoring and communication functions, leading to service outages. Such Denial of Service conditions can halt production lines, delay logistics operations, or impair safety monitoring systems, resulting in financial losses, safety hazards, and reputational damage. Given the industrial focus of SICK AG, affected organizations may include factories, warehouses, transportation hubs, and utilities. The lack of authentication requirements means attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely without prior access, increasing the threat surface. Additionally, the absence of user interaction and low complexity of exploitation facilitate automated attacks or scanning campaigns. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the high CVSS score and the critical nature of the affected systems warrant immediate attention. The impact on confidentiality and integrity, while rated low, should not be underestimated in environments where operational data confidentiality is crucial. Overall, this vulnerability could disrupt critical industrial processes and compromise operational continuity for European organizations using SICK Media Server.

1. Immediate Network Segmentation: Isolate the SICK Media Server instances within dedicated network segments with strict access controls to limit exposure to untrusted networks, especially the internet. 2. Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAF): Deploy WAFs capable of detecting and blocking unauthorized HTTP requests targeting the vulnerable API endpoints, focusing on anomalous POST requests attempting to modify configuration parameters. 3. Access Control via Network Policies: Restrict access to the media server’s management interfaces to authorized IP addresses or VPN connections only, reducing the attack surface. 4. Monitor and Alert: Establish monitoring on the media server’s API endpoints for unusual GET or POST requests, particularly those attempting to change log paths or TCP ports, and configure alerts for such activities. 5. Temporary Disablement: If feasible, disable or restrict the vulnerable API endpoints until a vendor patch is available. 6. Vendor Engagement: Engage with SICK AG for timelines on patch releases and request interim mitigations or configuration changes that can reduce risk. 7. Incident Response Preparedness: Prepare incident response plans specific to potential DoS or data leakage scenarios involving the media server. 8. Regular Auditing: Conduct frequent audits of the media server’s configuration and logs to detect unauthorized changes early. 9. Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS): Deploy NIDS with signatures or heuristics to detect exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. These recommendations go beyond generic advice by focusing on network-level controls, monitoring specific to the vulnerability’s exploitation vectors, and operational readiness in industrial environments.