Mumbai, November 2, 2026: Kaspersky researchers have identified vulnerabilities in widely used barcode scanners that could expose warehouse and e-commerce supply chains to cyberattacks, the company announced at the Security Analyst Summit 2026 in Bali.
The security audit, which examined multiple cyber-attack vectors in warehouse digital ecosystems, found that attackers within wireless range could exploit the scanner’s wireless connection to inject keystrokes into connected systems and potentially execute malicious commands without user interaction. The affected barcode scanner model, produced by a major manufacturer, is commonly deployed in warehousing, retail, and other sectors.
Attack method targets wireless link
According to Kaspersky, the main vulnerability stems from the lack of authentication between handheld scanners and their base stations. In a typical attack scenario, an attacker within Bluetooth range could obtain the Bluetooth address of the base station—potentially through passive eavesdropping—and send a malicious payload simulating keyboard keystrokes. The base station then forwards these keystrokes to a connected PC, where they are interpreted as legitimate user input, enabling unauthorized commands and potentially remote code execution.
Kaspersky noted that this attack pattern was observed across devices from multiple vendors. Once an attacker gains initial access through the scanner, they could leverage the computer’s trusted position within the warehouse network to target critical systems. The company warned that similar vulnerabilities may exist in other warehouse devices such as Portable Data Terminals (PDR) and thermal printers, potentially threatening Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and broader retail operations.
Recommendations for warehouse security
To mitigate these risks, Kaspersky experts recommend verifying every new device before network connection, disabling unused Bluetooth interfaces, enforcing strong authentication mechanisms, segmenting warehouse networks, applying security updates promptly, restricting account permissions, and conducting regular attack-path exercises that include insider threat scenarios.
Sergey Sidorov, Head of Industrial Security Services at Kaspersky, said, “Modern retail and logistics are profoundly digital, from enterprise-wide management platforms down to every device in a worker’s hands. This pervasive connectivity means that any technology at any tier can become an entry point for a cyberattack capable of destabilizing the entire ecosystem—as our research shows, even a single barcode scanner.”
Kaspersky’s industrial cybersecurity solutions
Kaspersky offers industrial cybersecurity assessments to uncover weaknesses in ICS, OT, and networked devices, and provides solutions such as Kaspersky Industrial Cyber Security (KICS) to enhance visibility and strengthen protection for logistics and industrial organizations without disrupting operations.
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