Research reveals smart TV vulnerabilities threaten networks

Research from CYFOX has identified significant vulnerabilities in smart TVs and monitors that pose potential risks to corporate networks.

CYFOX's findings indicate that many smart TV brands could be exploited to disrupt enterprise network operations due to flaws discovered via their OmniSec vCISO platform. Joseph Tal, Chief Executive Officer of CYFOX, commented, "Nothing proved the value of our technology more than the fact that it revealed the easy way someone could disrupt network operations by targeting those TVs."

Following CYFOX's initial discovery, further analysis revealed that the issue spans multiple brands and models, highlighting a possible architectural flaw in the way smart TVs manage TCP communication. This is not limited to any single manufacturer, suggesting a broader industry-wide concern.

In accordance with responsible disclosure practices, CYFOX has refrained from naming specific brands and models most at risk. They have, however, communicated the issue to the pertinent government agencies.

The research highlights that the presence of smart TVs on internal networks and their use of open communication protocols allows them to act as potential points of network disruption. This risk is particularly significant if there is insufficient segmentation between Internet of Things (IoT) networks and critical organisational networks.

CYFOX's OmniSec platform, which functions by connecting with intrusion detection systems, IoT and operational technology sensors, as well as IT networks and endpoints, identified the vulnerability through its routine operations. The platform's comprehensive connectivity enables the identification of potential vulnerabilities and correlates them with an organisation's overall risk posture.

Once vulnerabilities are identified, OmniSec automatically reports them to Chief Information Security Officers or incident response teams. This prompt reporting ensures that organisations can take swift action to reinforce their security measures.

OmniSec provides automated solutions for mitigation and resolution where possible, with manual interventions detailed and allocated to personnel as needed. The platform integrates threat intelligence, detection, compliance monitoring, and supply chain management, leveraging advanced GenAI and large language models to process cyber security and compliance data.

By automating security tasks and offering real-time, context-sensitive insights, OmniSec aims to safeguard organisations while maintaining compliance and operational efficiency without incurring significant costs or resource demands. The platform facilitates streamlining of cyber security processes and making them more accessible.