Published Date: 2020-10-06
| Postmortem Analysis | |
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| Timeline | 1. The software failure incident with the Cellmate chastity gadget happened in October 2020 as reported in [Article 106334], [Article 106355], and [Article 106477]. |
| System | 1. Cellmate Chastity Cage system failed due to a security flaw in the software that allowed hackers to remotely lock all the devices simultaneously, with no manual release [106334, 106355, 106477, 109711]. 2. Cellmate Chastity Cage app failed to provide a manual override for users trapped in the device, leading to potential risks and incidents [106334, 106355, 106477, 109711]. 3. Cellmate Chastity Cage server API failed to adequately protect user data and device control, allowing hackers to access personal details and locations of users [106334, 106355, 106477, 109711]. 4. Qiui's software development process failed to address security vulnerabilities promptly, leaving users at risk even after updates were released [106334, 106355, 106477, 109711]. |
| Responsible Organization | 1. Qiui, the Chinese developers of the app that controls the internet-linked sheath called the Cellmate Chastity Cage, were responsible for causing the software failure incident [106334, 106355, 109711]. 2. Pen Test Partners, a UK-based cyber-security firm, discovered the security flaws in the Cellmate Chastity Cage and brought them to light, highlighting the issues with the device [106334, 106355, 109711]. |
| Impacted Organization | 1. Users of the Cellmate Chastity Cage, including Sam Summers, who had his device hacked and demanded ransom to unlock it, leading to physical harm [109711]. 2. Chinese manufacturer Qiui, the developer of the Cellmate Chastity Cage, which had to address the security flaw in their app and server API after being alerted by security researchers [106334, 106355, 106477]. |
| Software Causes | 1. The software flaw in the Cellmate Chastity Cage's app allowed hackers to remotely lock all devices simultaneously, with no manual release [106334, 106355, 106477]. 2. The software vulnerability allowed hackers to access personal details of device owners, such as names, phone numbers, birthdays, and location data [106334, 106355, 109711]. 3. The software did not have a physical override, leaving users potentially trapped if hacked [109711]. 4. The software flaws could have allowed attackers to exfiltrate the entire user database for blackmail or phishing purposes [109711]. |
| Non-software Causes | 1. Lack of a physical key or manual override in the Cellmate chastity belt [109711] 2. Design flaw in the chastity belt's locking mechanism controlled by a smartphone app via Bluetooth [109711] 3. Ransom demand by hackers leading to physical damage to the user [109711] |
| Impacts | 1. Users were at risk of being physically locked in the hi-tech chastity belt due to a security flaw that allowed hackers to remotely lock all devices simultaneously, potentially forcing users to resort to cutting the device off with a grinder [106334, 106477]. 2. The security flaw exposed sensitive personal data of users, including their registered names, coordinates of locations where the app was used, and unique device codes, leaving users vulnerable to privacy breaches [106334, 106477]. 3. Some users fell victim to hackers who demanded ransom to release the chastity belt, leading to financial extortion and potential physical harm if users attempted to forcibly remove the device [109711]. 4. The incident caused physical harm to at least one user who resorted to using a pair of bolt cutters to crack open the chastity belt, resulting in bleeding and pain, leaving the man's genitals out of commission for a month [109711]. 5. The software failure incident led to a loss of trust in internet-connected sex toys, prompting users like Sam Summers to discard the device, delete the app, and swear off using such products in the future [109711]. |
| Preventions | 1. Proper security testing and vulnerability assessments during the development phase could have prevented the software failure incident by identifying and addressing the security flaws before the product was released [106334, 106355, 106477, 109711]. 2. Implementing manual overrides in the software or physical mechanisms in the device could have provided users with a way to unlock the chastity belt in case of a remote lock by hackers [106334, 106355, 109711]. 3. Regular software updates and prompt response to security vulnerabilities reported by security researchers could have prevented the incident by ensuring that the software and associated systems were secure [106334, 106355, 109711]. 4. Following best practices in secure software development, such as encryption of sensitive data, secure communication protocols, and proper access controls, could have reduced the risk of unauthorized access and manipulation of the device [106334, 106355, 109711]. |
| Fixes | 1. Updating the app and server API involved to address the security vulnerabilities and flaws in the software [106477, 109711]. 2. Implementing a manual override feature for users who may become stuck due to a hack or malfunction [106334, 106355, 109711]. 3. Providing clear instructions or a video demonstration on how to safely remove the device in case of emergency, such as using a screwdriver [106355, 109711]. 4. Conducting thorough security testing and addressing any potential issues before releasing the product to the market [106477, 109711]. 5. Ensuring that software updates do not introduce new problems or vulnerabilities [106477, 109711]. | References | 1. Pen Test Partners [106334, 106355, 106477, 109711] 2. Qiui (Chinese developers of the app controlling the Cellmate Chastity Cage) [106334, 106355, 109711] 3. Sam Summers (owner of the Cellmate digital chastity belt) [109711] 4. Tech researchers and security professionals involved in discovering the security flaws [106334, 106355, 106477, 109711] 5. Various users who experienced incidents related to the software failure [109711] 6. Vice's Motherboard (source for Sam Summers' recount of the incident) [109711] |
| Category | Option | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Recurring | one_organization | (a) The software failure incident having happened again at one_organization: - The software failure incident involving the Cellmate Chastity Cage, where hackers could remotely lock the device, happened again with the same product. The incident occurred with the Cellmate digital chastity belt, produced by Chinese firm Qiui [Article 109711]. (b) The software failure incident having happened again at multiple_organization: - The software failure incident involving the Cellmate Chastity Cage is not explicitly mentioned to have occurred with products from multiple organizations in the provided articles. |
| Phase (Design/Operation) | design, operation | (a) The software failure incident related to the design phase: - The security flaw in the Cellmate Chastity Cage was due to a bug in the app that controls the device, allowing hackers to remotely lock all devices simultaneously [106334]. - The flaw in the app allowed hackers to remotely lock the chastity belt, leaving users with no manual override option, potentially forcing them to resort to cutting it off with a grinder or bolt cutter [106477]. - The security researchers discovered a way to trick the server into disclosing personal details of device owners and locations from where the app was used, indicating a design flaw in the system's security measures [106477]. (b) The software failure incident related to the operation phase: - Users who fell victim to hackers exploiting the security flaw in the Cellmate chastity belt had to deal with the consequences of being locked in, such as paying a ransom or resorting to brute force to break the device [109711]. - One user, Sam Summers, ended up bleeding and unable to have sex for a month after hackers took over his chastity belt, highlighting the operational impact of the security breach on users [109711]. - Summers and his partner had to physically break the device open with a pair of bolt cutters due to the lack of a manual override, showcasing the operational challenges faced by users in such situations [109711]. |
| Boundary (Internal/External) | within_system, outside_system | (a) within_system: - The software failure incident involving the Cellmate Chastity Cage was primarily due to a security flaw within the system itself. The flaw allowed hackers to remotely lock all the devices simultaneously, leaving users trapped without a manual override [106334]. - The security researchers discovered vulnerabilities in the Cellmate's app that could disclose personal details of device owners and locations from where the app was used, as well as reveal unique codes assigned to each device [106477]. - The software relied on sending commands to a computer server used by the manufacturer, which the researchers were able to trick into disclosing sensitive information and manipulate to ignore unlock requests, effectively locking users in [106477]. - The Chinese developer, Qiui, attempted to fix the issue by updating the app and server API but left an older version of the API online, leaving users with the older app version still at risk [106477]. (b) outside_system: - The software failure incident also involved external factors such as hackers exploiting the security flaw in the system to remotely lock the devices and demand ransom from users like Sam Summers [109711]. - Summers experienced his Cellmate chastity belt being hijacked by hackers who demanded a ransom to release it, showcasing how external threats could impact the system and its users [109711]. - The incident highlighted the vulnerability of the system to external attacks, leading to users resorting to brute force methods like using bolt cutters to free themselves from the device [109711]. |
| Nature (Human/Non-human) | non-human_actions, human_actions | (a) The software failure incident occurring due to non-human actions: - The software flaw in the Cellmate Chastity Cage allowed hackers to remotely lock all the devices simultaneously, with no manual override, potentially forcing users to resort to cutting it off with a grinder or bolt cutter [106334]. - The security flaw in the hi-tech chastity belt for men made it possible for hackers to remotely lock all the devices in use simultaneously, with no manual release, leaving owners potentially having to use brute force to free themselves [106477]. - The flaw in the Cellmate's app allowed hackers to trick the server into disclosing personal details of device owners and locations from where the app had been used, as well as revealing unique codes assigned to each device, leading to the potential of leaving users locked in [106355]. (b) The software failure incident occurring due to human actions: - The Chinese developer, Qiui, released an update to the app and a manual override for anyone who became stuck, involving breaking into the device, as a response to the security flaw discovered by UK security professionals [106334]. - The maker of the Cellmate chastity toy suggested that the device could be easily removed with a screwdriver, and users could also call the customer hotline for assistance, indicating a human intervention to address the security vulnerability [106355]. - A man who fell victim to hackers targeting the Cellmate chastity belt ended up paying a ransom to free himself from the device, and then resorted to brute force with a pair of bolt cutters to crack the belt, highlighting human actions taken to address the security breach [109711]. |
| Dimension (Hardware/Software) | hardware, software | (a) The software failure incident occurring due to hardware: - The incident involving the Cellmate chastity belt highlighted a security flaw in the hardware design of the device, as it lacked a manual override feature, leaving users potentially trapped and requiring physical tools like a grinder or bolt cutter to free themselves [Article 106477]. - In one case, a user had to resort to using a pair of bolt cutters to crack open the chastity belt, resulting in an injury and bleeding, showcasing the physical risks associated with the hardware design [Article 109711]. (b) The software failure incident occurring due to software: - The software failure incident primarily originated in software vulnerabilities, as hackers were able to exploit flaws in the Cellmate app's code to remotely lock all devices, disclose personal details of users, and potentially leave wearers locked in [Article 106334]. - The security researchers identified flaws in the Cellmate app that allowed for remote attacks, indicating that the software was the primary target for exploitation by hackers [Article 106355]. - The incident involved a flaw in the Cellmate app that allowed hackers to remotely lock the devices, demonstrating a software vulnerability that could be exploited to control the chastity belt [Article 109711]. |
| Objective (Malicious/Non-malicious) | malicious, non-malicious | (a) The software failure incident related to the Cellmate Chastity Cage can be categorized as malicious. Hackers were able to exploit a security flaw in the device's app, allowing them to remotely lock all the devices in use simultaneously. This malicious act could have potentially left users trapped in the chastity device, forcing them to resort to extreme measures to free themselves, such as using a grinder or bolt cutter [106334, 106355, 106477, 109711]. (b) Additionally, the incident can also be considered non-malicious as it involved a security flaw in the software that allowed for the exploitation by hackers. The flaw was initially flagged by a team of UK security professionals, indicating that the issue was unintentional and not deliberately introduced by the developers. The developers later fixed the bug in the app and published a manual workaround to address the vulnerability [106334, 106355, 106477, 109711]. |
| Intent (Poor/Accidental Decisions) | poor_decisions, accidental_decisions | (a) poor_decisions: The software failure incident related to the Cellmate Chastity Cage was primarily due to poor decisions made by the developers. The incident involved a security flaw in the hi-tech chastity belt that allowed hackers to remotely lock all devices simultaneously, with no manual override available [106334, 106355, 106477]. The developers rushed the product to market without adequate security measures, leading to the potential risk of users being physically locked in the device. Despite being alerted to the security risk, the Chinese firm behind the device, Qiui, initially failed to address the issue effectively, leaving older versions of the software vulnerable to attacks [106477]. Additionally, the company's attempts to fix the issue reportedly created more problems [106477]. (b) accidental_decisions: The software failure incident also involved accidental decisions or unintended consequences. For example, users like Sam Summers found themselves in situations where they had to resort to brute force methods, such as using bolt cutters, to free themselves from the device after it was hacked [109711]. Summers ended up paying a ransom to hackers to release the device, only to face further demands for money, leading to a situation where he had to physically break the chastity belt, resulting in injuries [109711]. These unintended consequences highlight the risks associated with relying on internet-connected devices without proper security measures in place. |
| Capability (Incompetence/Accidental) | development_incompetence, accidental | (a) The software failure incident related to development incompetence is evident in the case of the Cellmate Chastity Cage. The incident involved a security flaw in the hi-tech chastity belt for men, allowing hackers to remotely lock all devices simultaneously. The developers, Qiui, were alerted by UK security professionals about the bug in the app controlling the device [106334]. Despite being informed of the security risk, Qiui's attempts to fix the issue led to more problems, indicating a lack of professional competence in addressing the software flaw [106477]. The incident highlights the importance of thorough testing and security measures in the development process to prevent such vulnerabilities. (b) The software failure incident related to accidental factors is demonstrated in the case of the Cellmate Chastity Cage hack. Users like Sam Summers fell victim to hackers who hijacked the device, demanding ransom to release it. Summers ended up using brute force to crack the chastity belt, resulting in an injury and bleeding. The incident was not intentional but occurred due to the vulnerability of the device to hacking, leading to unintended consequences for the users [109711]. This accidental exploitation of the software flaw underscores the importance of robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access and protect users from harm. |
| Duration | permanent, temporary | (a) The software failure incident in the articles was considered permanent. The security flaw in the hi-tech chastity belt for men allowed hackers to remotely lock all the devices simultaneously, with no manual override available initially. Users faced the prospect of having to use a grinder or bolt cutter to free themselves from the metal clamp, indicating a permanent failure ([106334], [106355], [106477], [109711]). (b) The software failure incident was also temporary in the sense that the developers worked on fixing the bug and released updates to the app and server API to address the security vulnerabilities. However, the older version of the API was still left online, leaving users with the older app version at risk, showing a temporary aspect of the failure ([106334], [106355], [106477], [109711]). |
| Behaviour | crash, omission, other | (a) crash: The software failure incident described in the articles did not involve a crash where the system loses state and stops performing its intended functions. (b) omission: The software failure incident involved an omission where the system omitted to perform its intended functions at an instance(s). The flaw in the Cellmate Chastity Cage allowed hackers to remotely lock all the devices in use simultaneously, leaving users potentially trapped without a manual override [106334]. (c) timing: The software failure incident did not involve a timing issue where the system performed its intended functions correctly but too late or too early. (d) value: The software failure incident did not involve a value issue where the system performed its intended functions incorrectly. (e) byzantine: The software failure incident did not involve a byzantine behavior where the system behaved erroneously with inconsistent responses and interactions. (f) other: The software failure incident involved a unique behavior where the system allowed hackers to remotely lock the devices, potentially leaving users physically locked in the chastity device [106477]. Additionally, the system had security flaws that exposed sensitive user information, such as names, phone numbers, birthdays, and location data, which could be used for blackmail or phishing [109711]. |
| Layer | Option | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Perception | embedded_software | (a) sensor: Failure due to contributing factors introduced by sensor error - The software failure incident related to the Cellmate Chastity Cage involved a security flaw in the hi-tech chastity belt for men, where hackers could remotely lock all the devices in use simultaneously [Article 106477]. - The device wirelessly connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth signal to activate the lock-and-clamp mechanism, which relies on sending commands to a computer server used by the manufacturer [Article 106477]. - Security researchers found a way to trick the server into disclosing personal details, including the registered name of each device owner and the coordinates of locations from where the app had been used [Article 106477]. - The flaw was discovered by a team of UK security professionals who flagged the bug to the Chinese developers of the app controlling the device [Article 106334]. - The security flaw made it possible for hackers to remotely lock the device, leaving users potentially trapped and having to resort to brute force methods to free themselves [Article 106334]. - The security researchers alerted the manufacturer about the potential security risk, leading to an update of the app and server API, but an earlier version of the API was left online, leaving users at risk [Article 106477]. (e) embedded_software: Failure due to contributing factors introduced by embedded software error - The software failure incident involved a flaw in the Cellmate Chastity Cage's app, controlled by the Chinese developer, which allowed hackers to remotely lock the devices [Article 106477]. - The security researchers found a way to fool the server into disclosing personal details and unique codes assigned to each device, which could be used to prevent unlocking, leaving users locked in [Article 106477]. - The Chinese developer updated the app and server API after being alerted by the security researchers, but an older version of the API was still active, leaving users vulnerable [Article 106477]. - The security researchers highlighted that the flaw in the software could lead to physical consequences, such as being physically locked in due to the software vulnerability [Article 106334]. - The security researchers emphasized that the flaw in the embedded software of the device demonstrated that manufacturers of such "smart" adult products still have lessons to learn [Article 106334]. |
| Communication | connectivity_level | The software failure incident related to the communication layer of the cyber physical system that failed was at the connectivity level. This failure was due to contributing factors introduced by the network or transport layer. The incident involved a security flaw in a hi-tech chastity belt for men that allowed hackers to remotely lock all the devices simultaneously by exploiting vulnerabilities in the software's communication with the server used by the manufacturer [106334, 106355, 106477, 109711]. The flaw in the software's network communication exposed personal details of device owners and allowed attackers to manipulate the server to ignore unlock requests, leaving users locked in the device. |
| Application | TRUE | The software failure incident related to the application layer of the cyber physical system that failed is described in the articles. The failure was due to a security flaw in a hi-tech chastity belt for men, specifically in the app that controls the internet-linked sheath called the Cellmate Chastity Cage. This flaw allowed hackers to remotely lock all the devices simultaneously, leaving users potentially locked in without a manual override. The issue was flagged by a team of UK security professionals, and the Chinese developer, Qiui, had to fix the bug in the sex toy's app and provide a manual workaround for those still at risk [Article 106334, Article 106355, Article 106477, Article 109711]. |
| Category | Option | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Consequence | harm, property, non-human, theoretical_consequence | (a) unknown (b) The software failure incident led to physical harm as users were at risk of being locked in the chastity belt and potentially having to resort to cutting it off with a grinder or bolt cutter, which could pose a risk of harm [106334, 106477]. (c) unknown (d) The software failure incident impacted people's material goods and data as hackers could remotely lock the devices, demand ransom, and potentially access sensitive personal information of the device owners [106334, 106477]. (e) unknown (f) Non-human entities were impacted as the software failure incident affected the functionality of the Cellmate Chastity Cage, an internet-linked sheath controlled by an app, leading to potential physical harm and security vulnerabilities [106334, 106477]. (g) unknown (h) Theoretical consequences discussed included the potential risk of being physically locked in the chastity belt due to the software failure, the need for a manual override, and the possibility of hackers exploiting the vulnerabilities to remotely control the devices [106334, 106477]. (i) unknown |
| Domain | health, entertainment | (a) The failed system was related to the entertainment industry as it involved a hi-tech chastity belt for men, which is a sex toy called the Cellmate Chastity Cage [106334, 106355, 106477, 109711]. (j) The incident also involved the health industry as the Cellmate Chastity Cage is marketed as a way for its users to give their partners control over access to their bodies [106334, 106355, 106477, 109711]. |
Article ID: 106334
Article ID: 106355
Article ID: 106477
Article ID: 109711