Listen to this Post
A Hidden Threat Inside Industrial Security: Siemens Reveals Flaw in SiPass Integrated Access System
Siemens has recently revealed a major vulnerability in its widely-used SiPass Integrated access control system. This flaw, identified as CVE-2022-31812, exposes critical infrastructure to remote attacks that could completely disable access control operations. With many organizations depending on uninterrupted security systems for daily operations, this vulnerability is a wake-up call for industries relying on outdated OT (Operational Technology) platforms.
The security issue stems from an out-of-bounds read vulnerability caused by improper memory buffer handling during packet verification. Without any need for authentication, remote attackers can exploit the flaw simply by sending malformed network packets to the system. The result? A full Denial of Service (DoS) condition that crashes or freezes the system, effectively cutting off access to secure zones.
Both CVSS v3.1 and v4.0 scoring systems rank this vulnerability as highly severe, with base scores of 7.5 and 8.7 respectively. These ratings reflect its network-based nature, low complexity of execution, and high impact on system availabilityâespecially alarming in environments where security uptime is non-negotiable.
Siemens responded swiftly by releasing SiPass version V2.95.3.18 on May 23, 2025, addressing the vulnerability head-on. The patch is available via the Siemens support portal, but many installations worldwide are likely still running vulnerable versions.
Organizations that
The discovery of the vulnerability, with help from Airbus Security, points to the growing importance of cross-sector cybersecurity cooperation. It also mirrors a similar incident in 2023, where another access control system was compromised due to poor input validation.
This vulnerability further highlights how legacy OT systems increasingly intersect with modern IT infrastructure, forming complex and fragile digital-physical hybrids. Regular patching, real-time monitoring, and layered security are no longer optionalâthey’re essential.
What Undercode Say:
This Siemens SiPass vulnerability shines a spotlight on an uncomfortable truth: industrial systems are often lagging behind in cybersecurity maturity. While IT networks have evolved with patch automation, layered defenses, and real-time threat detection, OT systemsâespecially access control platformsâare frequently left behind due to long operational cycles and fear of downtime.
The fact that no authentication is needed to exploit this vulnerability is deeply concerning. It reveals a systemic design flawâtrusting the network perimeter too much while underestimating internal packet-level risks. Thatâs a common pitfall in OT design, where functionality and stability have historically taken precedence over security.
What makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous is its low complexity and high potential for automation. A script kiddie or even an automated botnet could identify vulnerable endpoints exposed online and launch attacks at scale, disabling access systems across multiple facilities in minutes. This is not just an inconvenienceâitâs a threat to physical safety, business continuity, and even national infrastructure in sensitive facilities.
The CVSS v4.0 score of 8.7 reflects a newer, more realistic risk modelâfocusing more on operational disruption than technical elegance. Thatâs a good shift. It allows security teams to prioritize not just based on how a vulnerability is built, but what it can actually do to their systems.
The Siemens response, including a dedicated ProductCERT team and structured advisory distribution, shows maturity. Still, the burden of action lies with the organizations running vulnerable systems. Too many still delay patches due to “stability concerns” or “lack of maintenance windows”âbut those same systems become single points of failure when attackers strike.
This event is also a textbook example of why industrial firms need cyber-physical risk management strategies. Modern access control systems are no longer standalone hardwareâtheyâre networked, software-driven endpoints, exposed to the same threats as any internet-facing application.
Companies that cannot patch immediately should implement deep packet inspection, traffic anomaly detection, and log correlation to catch any signs of exploitation attempts. But again, these are stopgapsânot full fixes.
The partnership with Airbus Security to uncover and report the flaw is encouraging. It emphasizes the need for more collaboration between private security labs, vendors, and critical infrastructure operators. No single player can cover all the bases in modern threat landscapes.
Ultimately, every facility with access control hardware must now think like a cybersecurity company. It’s not just about locks and doors anymoreâit’s about encrypted data streams, memory management, firmware integrity, and real-time monitoring.
If that sounds overwhelming, it should. But the alternative is worse: a future where attackers donât need to break inâthey just crash your access system and walk through the door.
Fact Checker Results:
â
Verified CVE-2022-31812 as an out-of-bounds read in SiPass
â
Confirmed Siemens patch released on May 23, 2025
â
CVSS v4.0 score of 8.7 accurately reflects critical availability impact đđâ ď¸
Prediction:
Expect to see increased scrutiny of OT security systems in 2025 and beyond, especially those involved in physical access control. With attackers targeting the weak seams between digital and physical domains, organizations will likely invest more in security audits, vendor patching pipelines, and real-time anomaly detection. Siemensâ handling of this case may become a model for future disclosuresâbut also a warning that more hidden flaws likely remain.
References:
Reported By: cyberpress.org
Extra Source Hub:
https://www.twitter.com
Wikipedia
Undercode AI
Image Source:
Unsplash
Undercode AI DI v2
