---
title: Kaspersky researchers identify critical vulnerability in wireless barcode scanners threatening warehouse and retail networks
url: https://www.dataloco.com/en/kaspersky-researchers-identify-critical-vulnerability-in-wireless-barcode-scanners-threatening-warehouse-and-retail-networks
published: 2026-10-23T14:21:38+00:00
language: en
section: Security
source: https://shiftdelete.net/kablosuz-barkod-okuyuculardaki-guvenlik-acigi-depo-ve-perakende-aglarini-tehdit-ediyor
organizations: Kaspersky, ShiftDelete
publisher: Dataloco
---

# Kaspersky researchers identify critical vulnerability in wireless barcode scanners threatening warehouse and retail networks

Kaspersky Security Services researchers have identified a critical security vulnerability in wireless barcode scanners commonly used in warehouses and retail sectors. This flaw originates from missing authentication mechanisms between devices and base stations, allowing attackers to infiltrate systems via Bluetooth and execute unauthorized code on connected computers. In the current global e-commerce environment where transaction volume exceeds six trillion dollars, these devices embedded in supply chains risk becoming Trojan horses capable of disrupting entire operational networks.

Attackers can silently infiltrate warehouse or store coverage areas and passively monitor Bluetooth traffic to obtain base station MAC addresses. Subsequently, the attacker establishes a direct Bluetooth connection with the target base station and transmits a malicious payload mimicking keyboard keystrokes (HID - Human Interface Device). The base station interprets these fabricated signals as legitimate barcode scanner input and forwards them to the connected computer. The workstation, treating the data as genuine user keyboard input, executes the commands without user interaction. This enables attackers to run unauthorized commands on offline computers and establish the initial foothold within operational technology networks.

Researchers note that this technique, observed across multiple major manufacturers, represents only the initial phase of potential attacks. Compromised workstations typically reside within trusted internal network segments and maintain direct communication with critical systems. Similar attack vectors are also valid for other endpoint devices.

Global e-commerce sales have approximately doubled since 2019, surpassing the six trillion dollar threshold, making operational diligence in logistics operations more critical than ever. Even brief system outages lasting several hours can lead to massive financial losses and supply chain crises. According to Kaspersky Industrial Security Services, the continuous and uninterrupted connectivity spanning from enterprise management platforms to handheld devices creates vulnerability points that can disable the entire ecosystem, including individual barcode scanners. Recommended security measures for operational technology and industrial control systems in warehouse and retail environments include implementing network segmentation, enforcing device authentication, and monitoring for anomalous Bluetooth activity.

## This story in other languages

- [日本語](https://www.dataloco.com/ja/story-52)
- [한국어](https://www.dataloco.com/ko/story-74)
- [Français](https://www.dataloco.com/fr/faille-critique-dans-les-lecteurs-de-code-barres-sans-fil)
- [Español](https://www.dataloco.com/es/vulnerabilidad-de-seguridad-en-lectores-de-codigos-de-barras-inalambricos-amenaza-redes-de-almacenes-y-minoristas)
- [Nederlands](https://www.dataloco.com/nl/kritieke-beveiligingsfout-in-draadloze-streepjescodescanners-bedreigt-magazijn-en-detailhandelsnetwerken)
- [Русский](https://www.dataloco.com/ru/uiazvimost-v-besprovodnyx-skanerax-strixkodov-ugrozaet-setiam-skladov-i-roznicnoi-torgovli)
- [हिन्दी](https://www.dataloco.com/hi/vayaralsa-brakada-sakanara-ma-sarakashha-khama-sa-gathama-oura-khathara-natavaraka-ka-khatara)