Ring Doorbells Had Security Bug That Exposed Wi-Fi Passwords To Hackers

Ring Doorbells Had Security Bug That Exposed Wi-Fi Passwords To Hackers

Researchers found that the Wi-Fi passwords were sent over the network in plain HTTP rather than being encrypted.

  • By Haley Samsel
  • Nov 11, 2019

Ring doorbells contained a security vulnerability that exposed passwords to the Wi-Fi networks they were connected to, according to research published by Bitdefender.

The security technology company said that the doorbell, which is owned and sold by Amazon, was sending Wi-Fi passwords in cleartext, or unencrypted text, as the doorbell joined the network. This vulnerability would allow nearby hackers to learn the Wi-Fi password and potentially gain access to other devices connected to the network, TechCrunch reported.

“When first configuring the device, the smartphone app must send the wireless network credentials,” Bitdefender wrote. “This takes place in an unsecure manner, through an unprotected access point. Once this network is up, the app connects to it automatically, queries the device, then sends the credentials to the local network.”

The issue was ultimately fixed on all Ring doorbells in September but was not disclosed to users until this week. Researchers at Bitdefender told Amazon about the vulnerability in June, stating that all of the exchanges required to configure the device with a smartphone app are performed through “plain HTTP.”

“This means the credentials are exposed to any nearby eavesdroppers,” the report reads.

There is no evidence that the vulnerability was ever used against users, according to TechCrunch.

Hackers could also trigger the reconfiguration of the Ring doorbell by overloading it with deauthentication messages, causing the device to get dropped from the WiFi network. The mobile app would lose connectivity with the device and ask the user to reconfigure it, allowing hackers another path to intercept the network, according to the report.

Smart home technology has become increasingly popular in recent years but has not come without security issues. In a report published in July, researchers found that they were able to unlock front doors remotely with a now-discontinued smart home hub called ZipaMacro.

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events

  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

  • DHS to End ‘Shoes-Off’ Travel Policy

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a new policy today which will allow passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.