A new attack on smart TVs allows a malicious actor to take over devices using rogue DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting — Terrestrial) signals, get root access on the smart TV, and use the device for all sorts of nasty actions, ranging from DDoS attacks to spying on end users.
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Scheel’s method, which he recently presented at a security conference, is different because the attacker can execute it from a remote location, without user interaction, and runs in the TV’s background processes, meaning users won’t notice when an attacker compromises their TVs.The researcher told Bleeping Computer via email that he developed this technique without knowing about the CIA’s Weeping Angel toolkit, which makes his work even more impressing.
Furthermore, Scheel says that “about 90% of the TVs sold in the last years are potential victims of similar attacks,” highlighting a major flaw in the infrastructure surrounding smart TVs all over the globe.
At the center of Scheel’s attack is Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV), an industry standard supported by most cable providers and smart TV makers that “harmonizes” classic broadcast, IPTV, and broadband delivery systems. TV transmission signal technologies like DVB-T, DVB-C, or IPTV all support HbbTV.
Scheel says that anyone can set up a custom DVB-T transmitter with equipment priced between $50-$150, and start broadcasting a DVB-T signal.
Source: About 90% of Smart TVs Vulnerable to Remote Hacking via Rogue TV Signals
Robin Edgar
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