CVE-2019-18980 in Taolight Smart Wi-Fi Wiz Connected LED Bulb
Summary
by MITRE
On Signify Philips Taolight Smart Wi-Fi Wiz Connected LED Bulb 9290022656 devices, an unprotected API lets remote users control the bulb's operation. Anyone can turn the bulb on or off, or change its color or brightness remotely. There is no authentication or encryption to use the control API. The only requirement is that the attacker have network access to the bulb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-18980 affects Signify Philips Taolight Smart Wi-Fi Wiz Connected LED Bulb models 9290022656, representing a critical security flaw in IoT device implementation. This issue stems from the absence of proper authentication mechanisms within the device's API, creating an exploitable entry point that allows unauthorized remote control of the connected lighting system. The vulnerability resides in the device's network communication protocol stack where the control interface operates without any form of user verification or access control measures, fundamentally compromising the security posture of the smart lighting ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of fundamental security principles in networked IoT devices. The bulb exposes its control API endpoints directly on the network without requiring any form of authentication credentials, encryption, or access validation. This design flaw allows any network-connected attacker to issue commands to manipulate the device's operational state including turning the bulb on or off, adjusting color settings, and modifying brightness levels. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires no specialized tools or advanced knowledge beyond basic network connectivity, making it accessible to even novice attackers. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-306, which describes the improper handling of authentication mechanisms, specifically the absence of authentication requirements for critical system functions.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for both individual consumers and enterprise environments. The lack of encryption means that all control commands are transmitted in plaintext over the network, making them susceptible to interception and manipulation by malicious actors. An attacker positioned within the same network segment can easily discover and exploit the vulnerable device through standard network scanning techniques, potentially gaining unauthorized control over lighting systems in residential or commercial settings. The implications extend beyond simple convenience theft, as compromised lighting controls could be used as part of broader network reconnaissance activities or as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks within the local network. This vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol usage for command and control communications, and T1566, which addresses credential harvesting through social engineering or network exploitation.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate network segmentation and access control measures. Network administrators should implement strict firewall rules that restrict access to the device's control ports and services, ensuring that only authorized network segments can communicate with the vulnerable devices. Additionally, the device should be configured with strong, unique passwords and the default credentials should be changed immediately upon deployment. The most effective long-term solution involves firmware updates from the manufacturer that implement proper authentication mechanisms, encryption for all communications, and secure API endpoints. Organizations should also consider deploying network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual patterns of device control activity and alert administrators to potential unauthorized access attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and network scanning should be conducted to identify other potentially vulnerable IoT devices within the network infrastructure, as this vulnerability represents a common pattern in IoT device security implementations that affects many similar smart home and commercial lighting systems.