Trustwave flushes out Android app-enabled toilet hack risk

Security researchers have discovered a vulnerability in an app used to control a luxury toilet that allows hackers to take control of the lavatory's functions.

The flaw was discovered by security firm Trustwave in the Inax's Satis automatic toilet, which uses an Android app to controls the cistern's functions via Bluetooth.

The "My Satis" Android application has a hard-coded Bluetooth PIN of "0000". The firm warned users the flaw could allow hackers to use the "My Satis" app to control any Satis smart toilet.

"An attacker could simply download the 'My Satis' application and use it to cause the toilet to repeatedly flush, raising the water usage and therefore utility cost to its owner," said Trustwave's researchers in a security advisory.

"Attackers could cause the unit to unexpectedly open/close the lid, activate bidet or air-dry functions, causing discomfort or distress to user," researchers warned.

Trustwave has made three attempts to contact the vendor about the vulnerability since the middle of June, and has warned users that no patch from the manufacturer has been issued. There are currently no known workarounds as researchers have nothing from the vendor to go on.

The security vendor has also flagged a vulnerability in a talking rabbit toy. Karotz, which is a Wi-Fi enabled device in the shape of a rabbit, can be controlled by hackers and video its surroundings.

The rabbit can be controlled using an API at api.karotz.com over plaintext HTTP, meaning the session token used to authenticate API calls can be stolen by an attacker sitting on the same network.

"The session token can be used to perform any remote API call available to the application. For instance, if the application uses the webcam, a video could be captured using the webcam and sent to an arbitrary server," said Trustwave's researchers.

Rene Millman

Rene Millman is a freelance writer and broadcaster who covers cybersecurity, AI, IoT, and the cloud. He also works as a contributing analyst at GigaOm and has previously worked as an analyst for Gartner covering the infrastructure market. He has made numerous television appearances to give his views and expertise on technology trends and companies that affect and shape our lives. You can follow Rene Millman on Twitter.