Kaspersky researchers presented a barcode scanner attack vector at the Security Analyst Summit 2026, highlighting a lack of authentication between Bluetooth base stations and handheld scanners that allows remote keystroke injection.
Modern warehouses now operate as complex digital ecosystems. As the volume of e-commerce continues to grow, any delays or disruptions in their operation can cause a serious financial blow to businesses. As part of security audits of such infrastructure, experts identified a gap in wireless barcode scanners from a major manufacturer that are widely used in warehouses and retail stores.
The problem stems from the lack of an authentication mechanism between wireless scanners and the base stations they connect to. In a typical setup, the scanner communicates with the base station, which in turn connects to a computer on the corporate network.
According to the researchers, an external attacker within range of the wireless connection can detect the Bluetooth address of the base station through passive eavesdropping. Then, using the active connection, they can send malicious data that simulates keystrokes. The base station passes these commands to the connected computer, which executes them as if they came from the legitimate user, without any action being required from the latter.
↳
READ ALSO
HACKS.GR / RELATED
Vulnerabilities & Security Updates
Attempts to exploit a serious security issue in Oracle E-Business Suite
↗
In this way, the scanner becomes the entry point for gaining initial access to a computer that is part of the company’s trusted network. This threat is not limited to scanners, as similar vulnerabilities could also appear in other warehouse devices, such as mobile data collection terminals and thermal printers, with the ultimate goal of accessing critical Warehouse Management Systems.
To protect infrastructure, experts recommend checking each new device before connecting it to the network, disabling unused wireless interfaces, and implementing strong authentication mechanisms. They also recommend dividing the network into segments, restricting access rights, promptly installing updates, and conducting regular attack simulation exercises.
>Stay connected with Hacks.gr
Set us as a preferred source on Google and find us on social media.
Preferred source
↗
end of article
Top comments (0)