CVE-2022-35648 in Treadmill
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2022
Nautilus treadmills T616 S/N 100672PRO21140001 through 100672PRO21171980 and T618 S/N 100647PRO21130111 through 100647PRO21183960 with software before 2022-06-09 allow physically proximate attackers to cause a denial of service (fall) by connecting the power cord to a 120V circuit (which may lead to self-starting at an inopportune time).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-35648 affects Nautilus treadmills model T616 and T618 within specific serial number ranges when operating with firmware versions prior to June 9, 2022. This issue represents a significant safety concern that arises from improper power management and system initialization protocols. The flaw manifests when a treadmill is connected to a 120V electrical circuit, creating conditions that may result in unintended system startup at inappropriate moments during user operation. The vulnerability stems from inadequate power state handling mechanisms that fail to properly manage the transition between power-on states and operational readiness, particularly in scenarios involving electrical power fluctuations or improper connection sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the treadmill's power management subsystem failing to properly validate power source characteristics before initiating operational sequences. When connected to a 120V circuit, the device's electrical interface does not adequately distinguish between safe power conditions and potentially hazardous situations that could trigger immediate startup. This behavior creates a scenario where the treadmill may begin operating without proper user authorization or safety checks, leading to potential falls or injuries. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses improper access to protected memory locations, and more specifically with CWE-362, concerning concurrent execution of potentially conflicting operations. The system's failure to implement proper power state validation mechanisms demonstrates a critical gap in the device's safety protocols and risk management systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass serious physical safety risks for users. When a treadmill self-starts during operation, particularly at high speeds or incline settings, users may lose balance and fall, potentially resulting in serious injury. The proximity requirement for exploitation means that attackers need physical access to the device, but this limitation does not diminish the severity of potential consequences. The vulnerability affects specific production batches of treadmills, suggesting that the issue may have been introduced through a particular manufacturing or software update cycle. This targeted nature of the vulnerability indicates that the problem likely stems from a specific firmware implementation rather than a fundamental architectural flaw in the device's design.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to address the power management logic and ensure proper state validation before system startup. Users should be advised to avoid connecting these specific treadmill models to 120V circuits until firmware updates are applied, and to maintain physical supervision during operation. Organizations responsible for fitness equipment maintenance should implement systematic checks to identify affected serial numbers and ensure timely firmware deployment. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to verify that the updated power management system correctly handles various electrical conditions and prevents unintended startup sequences. Additionally, manufacturers should enhance their quality assurance processes to prevent similar issues in future product releases, implementing more robust power state validation and fail-safe mechanisms. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper electrical safety protocols in consumer fitness equipment and the necessity of thorough testing before product release.