CVE-2025-49183 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting all versions of the SICK Media Server product developed by SICK AG. The core issue is that the REST API communication occurs entirely over unencrypted HTTP rather than HTTPS, resulting in cleartext transmission of sensitive information (CWE-319). This lack of encryption allows an attacker positioned on the same network path between the client (actor) and the media server to intercept and eavesdrop on all API traffic. Since the API is used to access media files, an attacker can gather sensitive information and download media content without authentication or user interaction. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.5, reflecting a network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), high confidentiality impact (C:H), and no impact on integrity or availability (I:N/A:N). The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, making exploitation straightforward if an attacker can access the network traffic. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability is significant due to the sensitive nature of media files and the ease of interception on untrusted or public networks. No patches or mitigations have been officially released by SICK AG as of the publication date (June 12, 2025).

For European organizations using SICK Media Server, this vulnerability poses a serious risk to confidentiality. Media files transmitted via the REST API could include sensitive operational data, surveillance footage, or proprietary information depending on the deployment context (e.g., industrial automation, security monitoring). An attacker intercepting this traffic could conduct industrial espionage, violate privacy regulations such as GDPR by accessing personal data, or gain intelligence that could facilitate further attacks. The integrity and availability of the system are not directly impacted, but the breach of confidentiality alone can have severe reputational and regulatory consequences. Organizations operating in sectors with high security requirements (manufacturing, critical infrastructure, transportation) are particularly vulnerable. The vulnerability is especially concerning in environments where network segmentation is weak or where remote access to the media server is enabled without VPN or encryption. Given the widespread use of SICK AG products in European industrial and manufacturing sectors, the potential impact is significant across multiple industries.

Immediately implement network-level encryption such as VPN tunnels or IPsec to protect traffic between clients and the SICK Media Server until the vendor releases an official patch or HTTPS support. Restrict network access to the media server REST API by applying strict firewall rules and network segmentation to limit exposure to trusted internal networks only. Monitor network traffic for unencrypted HTTP communications to detect potential interception attempts or unauthorized access. Engage with SICK AG to request expedited development and deployment of HTTPS support or firmware updates that enforce encrypted communication. If possible, disable or restrict REST API usage until secure communication channels are available, or replace the media server with alternative solutions that support encrypted protocols. Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests focusing on network traffic interception risks and ensure compliance with GDPR and other relevant data protection regulations. Educate staff and system administrators about the risks of transmitting sensitive data over unencrypted channels and enforce strict operational security policies.