Incident: Smart Home Devices Vulnerable to Hacking and Data Theft

Published Date: 2022-05-31

Postmortem Analysis
Timeline 1. The software failure incident involving vulnerabilities in smart home devices from companies like Amazon and Google, as reported by Article 127678, happened around Autumn 2021. [127678]
System 1. Amazon Echo smart speaker (first-gen) 2. Google Nest Hello video doorbell 3. Samsung Galaxy S8 Android smartphone 4. Virgin Media Super Hub 2 router 5. Liv Cam baby monitor 6. Philips TV 7. HP Deskjet inkjet printer 8. Wemo smart plug [127678]
Responsible Organization 1. Cybercriminals exploited vulnerabilities in smart home devices from companies such as Amazon and Google, leading to the software failure incident [127678].
Impacted Organization 1. Users of smart home devices from companies such as Amazon and Google were impacted by the software failure incident [127678].
Software Causes 1. Vulnerabilities in smart home devices from companies like Amazon and Google, leading to hacking, data theft, and snooping on users [127678] 2. Lack of security updates for older smart devices, leaving them vulnerable to cybercriminals [127678] 3. Exploitation of weaknesses in devices like Wi-Fi routers, security cameras, smartphones, and printers by ethical hackers [127678] 4. Infection of devices with malware, such as the Flubot malware on the Samsung Galaxy S8 Android smartphone, leading to data theft and tracking [127678] 5. Easily guessable default passwords on devices like the Philips TV, allowing for hacking and potential phishing attacks [127678]
Non-software Causes 1. Poor security design and implementation of smart home devices from companies like Amazon and Google, leaving vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals [127678]. 2. Lack of vital security updates for older smart devices, such as the first generation Amazon Echo smart speaker and a Virgin Media internet router, due to their age [127678]. 3. Abandonment of products by manufacturers within five years since their launch, leading to unsupported devices vulnerable to attacks [127678]. 4. Use of easily guessable default passwords on devices like the Philips TV, making them susceptible to hacking [127678]. 5. Open Wi-Fi networks on devices like the Liv Cam baby monitor, allowing unauthorized access and potential snooping [127678].
Impacts 1. Smart home devices from companies like Amazon and Google were found to have vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals, leading to risks such as crashing websites, stealing data, and snooping on users [127678]. 2. The vulnerabilities in these smart devices could potentially expose domestic abuse survivors to tracking and control by ex-partners exploiting weak security [127678]. 3. The software failure incident highlighted the dangers posed by smart products that are no longer adequately protected from cybercriminals, leading to significant economic damage and potential exploitation by domestic abusers [127678]. 4. The investigation revealed 37 vulnerabilities across the eight test devices, with 12 rated as high risk and one rated as critical, indicating the severity of the security flaws [127678]. 5. The incident raised concerns about the lack of security support for older smart devices, with some products being abandoned by manufacturers within five years since their launch, leaving users exposed to potential attacks [127678].
Preventions 1. Regular security updates and support for smart devices: Providing regular security updates and support for smart devices, even after they have been on the market for a few years, could have prevented the software failure incident reported in the article [127678]. This would ensure that vulnerabilities are patched promptly, reducing the risk of exploitation by cybercriminals. 2. Strong password policies: Implementing strong password policies for smart devices, such as requiring users to set unique and complex passwords, could have enhanced the security of the devices and prevented unauthorized access [127678]. 3. Improved device design and security features: Enhancing the design of smart devices to include robust security features, such as encryption, secure authentication mechanisms, and intrusion detection systems, could have made it more difficult for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities and compromise the devices [127678]. 4. Ethical hacking and security testing: Conducting regular ethical hacking and security testing on smart devices before they are released to the market could have helped identify and address vulnerabilities proactively, reducing the likelihood of successful cyber attacks [127678].
Fixes 1. Implementing security updates and patches for vulnerable smart home devices to address the identified vulnerabilities [127678]. 2. Setting out minimum periods of time for smart products to receive vital security support to ensure ongoing protection against cybercriminals [127678]. 3. Encouraging users to request upgrades or replacements for unsupported devices, such as the Virgin Media Super Hub 2 router, to mitigate security risks [127678]. 4. Enhancing security measures on devices like the Philips TV by using strong, unique passwords and enabling auto firmware updates to prevent unauthorized access [127678].
References 1. Consumer group Which? [Article 127678] 2. Amazon spokesperson [Article 127678] 3. Google [Article 127678] 4. Samsung [Article 127678] 5. Virgin Media [Article 127678] 6. HP [Article 127678]

Software Taxonomy of Faults

Category Option Rationale
Recurring multiple_organization The software failure incident related to poor security and vulnerabilities in smart home devices has happened again at multiple organizations. The investigation by Which? revealed vulnerabilities in smart devices from companies such as Amazon, Google, Samsung, Virgin Media, Philips, HP, and Wemo [127678]. These vulnerabilities could lead to cybercriminals exploiting weak security to crash websites, steal data, and snoop on users. The incident highlights the risks posed by smart products from various tech brands that are no longer adequately protected from cyber threats.
Phase (Design/Operation) design, operation (a) The software failure incident related to the design phase is evident in the article where it discusses the vulnerabilities found in various smart home devices due to poor security measures. The investigation by Which? revealed that eight smart devices, including the first-generation Amazon Echo smart speaker and a Virgin Media internet router, had vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals [Article 127678]. These vulnerabilities were a result of inadequate security measures during the design and development phases of these products. (b) The software failure incident related to the operation phase is highlighted in the article where it mentions how ethical hackers were able to exploit vulnerabilities in the tested smart devices. For example, researchers were able to exploit a physical attack on the first-generation Amazon Echo smart speaker, gaining remote control over the device and potentially stealing user data without the user's knowledge [Article 127678]. This demonstrates how the operation or misuse of these devices could lead to security breaches and data theft.
Boundary (Internal/External) within_system (a) The software failure incident reported in the articles is primarily within the system. The vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the smart home devices, such as the Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hello, Samsung Galaxy S8, Virgin Media Super Hub 2, Liv Cam baby monitor, Philips TV, HP Deskjet inkjet printer, and Wemo smart plug, were identified through testing conducted by ethical hackers invited by the consumer group Which? [127678]. These vulnerabilities allowed for potential hacking, data theft, snooping on users, and other malicious activities, indicating that the failures originated from within the system due to poor security measures and lack of vital security updates for older devices.
Nature (Human/Non-human) non-human_actions, human_actions (a) The software failure incident occurring due to non-human actions: - The article reports that smart home devices from companies like Amazon and Google were found to have vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals, leading to issues such as crashing websites, stealing data, and snooping on users [127678]. - The vulnerabilities in the smart devices were identified through an investigation conducted by a consumer group, Which?, where ethical hackers were invited to attack the devices in a simulated home environment [127678]. - Examples of vulnerable devices included the first generation Amazon Echo smart speaker, a Virgin Media internet router, a Samsung Galaxy S8 Android smartphone, a Google Nest Hello video doorbell, and other products [127678]. - The vulnerabilities found in these devices could potentially lead to significant economic damage and could also be exploited by domestic abusers to track and control individuals [127678]. (b) The software failure incident occurring due to human actions: - The article mentions that some of the smart devices tested had been abandoned by manufacturers within five years since their launch, leaving them without vital security support [127678]. - For example, the first generation Amazon Echo smart speaker lost security support in autumn 2021, making it vulnerable to exploitation by cybercriminals [127678]. - The article highlights the importance of manufacturers providing ongoing security support for smart products to prevent vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors [127678]. - The consumer group, Which?, is advocating for the UK government to set out minimum periods of time for smart products to receive vital security support to address these issues [127678].
Dimension (Hardware/Software) hardware, software (a) The software failure incident occurring due to hardware: - The article reports that the first generation Amazon Echo smart speaker, released in 2014, had vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals. Researchers were able to exploit a physical attack on the device, giving remote control over the Amazon Echo device, allowing for data theft and live microphone streaming without the user's knowledge [127678]. - The Samsung Galaxy S8 Android smartphone, which stopped receiving security updates in April 2021, was easily infected with malware, leading to data theft, tracking, and spam adverts. Researchers infected it with Flubot malware, disguised as a DHL delivery text, allowing access to the phone owner's data within seconds [127678]. - The unsupported Virgin Media Super Hub 2 router was found to be at risk, allowing criminals to access people's Wi-Fi, monitor their internet activity, and mount attacks on other connected devices. Users were advised to request a new router for free through Virgin's app or customer services [127678]. (b) The software failure incident occurring due to software: - The article highlights vulnerabilities in smart home devices from various brands, including the Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hello, Samsung Galaxy S8, Wemo smart plug, Liv Cam baby monitor, Philips TV, HP Deskjet inkjet printer, and Virgin Media Super Hub 2. These vulnerabilities could be exploited by cybercriminals to crash websites, steal data, snoop on users, and track domestic abuse survivors [127678]. - Researchers found 37 vulnerabilities across the eight test devices, with 12 rated as high risk and one rated as critical. The vulnerabilities ranged from easily guessable default passwords to open Wi-Fi networks, allowing for unauthorized access and control of the devices [127678]. - The article also mentions that some of the tested products had been abandoned by manufacturers within five years since their launch, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks due to the lack of vital security updates [127678].
Objective (Malicious/Non-malicious) malicious (a) The software failure incident reported in the articles is malicious in nature. The incident involved vulnerabilities in smart home devices that could be exploited by cybercriminals to crash websites, steal data, and spy on users [127678]. The vulnerabilities found in devices such as the Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hello, Samsung Galaxy S8, and others were identified through a simulated home setup where ethical hackers were invited to attack the devices. These vulnerabilities could lead to significant economic damage and could also be exploited by domestic abusers to track and control individuals [127678]. Additionally, the incident highlighted the dangers posed by smart products from major tech brands that are no longer adequately protected from cybercriminals [127678].
Intent (Poor/Accidental Decisions) poor_decisions (a) The software failure incident related to the vulnerabilities found in smart home devices, such as Amazon Echo, Google Nest, Samsung Galaxy S8, and others, can be attributed to poor decisions made by the manufacturers and lack of adequate security measures. The devices had vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals, leading to risks such as data theft, tracking, and control by malicious actors [127678]. The incident highlights the real dangers posed by smart products that are no longer adequately protected from cyber threats due to poor security decisions made by the manufacturers.
Capability (Incompetence/Accidental) development_incompetence, accidental (a) The software failure incident related to development incompetence is evident in the article where it is reported that smart home devices from companies like Amazon and Google had poor security leading to vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals [127678]. The vulnerabilities found in these devices, including the first generation Amazon Echo smart speaker and a Virgin Media internet router, were due to lack of adequate security support and updates, indicating a failure in ensuring proper security measures during the development and maintenance of these products. (b) The software failure incident related to accidental factors is highlighted in the article where it mentions that researchers were able to exploit a physical attack on the first generation Amazon Echo smart speaker, giving remote control over the device [127678]. This indicates that the vulnerability was unintentionally present in the device, allowing for unauthorized access and potential data theft, which can be considered a failure introduced accidentally during the development or design phase of the product.
Duration permanent, temporary (a) The software failure incident described in the articles is more aligned with a permanent failure. This is evident from the fact that the smart home devices, including the first generation Amazon Echo smart speaker and the Virgin Media Super Hub 2, had vulnerabilities that could leave users exposed to cybercriminals [127678]. Additionally, some of the products had been abandoned by the manufacturer within five years since their launch, indicating a lack of ongoing support and security updates [127678]. (b) On the other hand, the articles also mention that some devices, such as the Google Nest Hello video doorbell, had issues that were resolved, indicating a temporary failure that was addressed through security updates [127678].
Behaviour crash, omission, other (a) crash: The software failure incident reported in the articles involves the crash behavior. The smart home devices, including the first generation Amazon Echo smart speaker, Google Nest Hello video doorbell, Samsung Galaxy S8 Android smartphone, and others, were found to have vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers to crash websites, steal data, and snoop on users [127678]. (b) omission: The software failure incident also involves the omission behavior. The vulnerabilities in the smart devices led to the omission of their intended functions, leaving users exposed to cybercriminals and potentially allowing domestic abusers to track and control individuals [127678]. (c) timing: The timing behavior is not explicitly mentioned in the articles. (d) value: The software failure incident does not directly involve the value behavior. (e) byzantine: The software failure incident does not exhibit the byzantine behavior. (f) other: The other behavior observed in this software failure incident is the exploitation of vulnerabilities by ethical hackers to gain control over the smart devices, leading to potential privacy breaches and security risks for users [127678].

IoT System Layer

Layer Option Rationale
Perception sensor, actuator, processing_unit, network_communication, embedded_software (a) sensor: The article mentions vulnerabilities in smart devices such as Wi-Fi routers and security cameras that could be exploited by cybercriminals, allowing them to track and control individuals, including domestic abuse survivors. This indicates a failure related to the sensor layer of the cyber physical system [127678]. (b) actuator: The article discusses how hackers were able to spam a Google Nest Hello video doorbell with requests, causing it to be knocked offline. This action interferes with the normal functioning of the doorbell, suggesting a failure related to the actuator layer of the cyber physical system [127678]. (c) processing_unit: The article highlights how the Samsung Galaxy S8 Android smartphone was easily infected with malware, leading to data theft, tracking, and spam adverts. This indicates a failure related to the processing unit layer of the cyber physical system [127678]. (d) network_communication: The article mentions how ethical hackers were able to compromise the unsupported Virgin Media Super Hub 2 router, allowing them to access people's Wi-Fi, monitor their internet activity, and potentially launch attacks on other connected devices. This points to a failure related to the network communication layer of the cyber physical system [127678]. (e) embedded_software: The article discusses vulnerabilities found in various smart devices, including the Amazon Echo smart speaker, Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphone, and other products, which could be exploited by cybercriminals. These vulnerabilities indicate failures related to the embedded software layer of the cyber physical system [127678].
Communication connectivity_level The software failure incident reported in the articles is related to the connectivity level of the cyber-physical system that failed. This failure was due to contributing factors introduced by the network or transport layer. The vulnerabilities and weaknesses found in smart home devices such as Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hello, Samsung Galaxy S8, Virgin Media Super Hub 2, Liv Cam baby monitor, Philips TV, HP Deskjet inkjet printer, and Wemo smart plug were exploited by ethical hackers to demonstrate the risks posed by inadequate security measures [127678]. These vulnerabilities allowed for actions such as crashing websites, stealing data, snooping on users, tracking domestic abuse survivors, and controlling devices remotely. The failure was not specifically related to the physical layer but rather to the network and transport layer vulnerabilities present in the smart devices.
Application TRUE The software failure incident reported in the articles is related to the application layer of the cyber physical system. This failure was due to vulnerabilities in smart home devices such as the Amazon Echo smart speaker, Google Nest Hello video doorbell, Samsung Galaxy S8 Android smartphone, and other devices. These vulnerabilities allowed for hacking, data theft, snooping on users, and other malicious activities [127678]. The vulnerabilities were exploited by ethical hackers in a simulated home environment to demonstrate the risks posed by these devices [127678].

Other Details

Category Option Rationale
Consequence property, non-human, theoretical_consequence (d) property: People's material goods, money, or data was impacted due to the software failure The software failure incident described in the articles led to significant property-related consequences. The vulnerabilities in smart home devices, such as Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hello, Samsung Galaxy S8, and others, allowed for potential data theft, tracking, and control by cybercriminals [127678]. For example, the first generation Amazon Echo smart speaker was found to have vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers to steal user data and even stream the device's live microphone without the user's knowledge [127678]. Similarly, the Samsung Galaxy S8 Android smartphone was easily infected with malware, leading to potential data theft, tracking, and spam adverts [127678]. Additionally, the Liv Cam baby monitor's vulnerabilities allowed researchers to access the video and audio feed, potentially compromising the privacy and security of users [127678]. These property-related impacts highlight the serious consequences of software failures in smart devices.
Domain information (a) The software failure incident reported in the articles is related to the industry of information. The incident involved vulnerabilities in smart home devices such as Amazon Echo, Google Nest, Samsung Galaxy S8, and others, which could be exploited by cybercriminals to crash websites, steal data, and spy on users [127678]. These devices are part of the smart home ecosystem that relies on information exchange and connectivity to function effectively.

Sources

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