CVE-2024-34268 in Radiator Thermostat Firmware
Summary
by MITRE • 07/17/2026
EQ-3 Eqiva CC-RT-BLE Bluetooth Smart Radiator Thermostat Firmware up to the latest version 1.46 was discovered to allow unsecured bluetooth connections. This vulnerability allows attackers to gain full access to the device without authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2026
The EQ-3 Eqiva CC-RT-BLE Bluetooth Smart Radiator Thermostat represents a significant security vulnerability within the Internet of Things ecosystem, specifically targeting connected home heating devices. This particular model suffers from a critical flaw in its Bluetooth communication protocol implementation that fundamentally undermines the device's security posture. The vulnerability exists in firmware versions up to and including 1.46, indicating that even the latest official release contains this dangerous oversight. The device's failure to enforce proper authentication mechanisms during Bluetooth connections creates an open pathway for malicious actors to establish unauthorized access to the thermostat's operational controls and configuration parameters.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the absence of secure Bluetooth pairing procedures and encryption protocols within the device's communication stack. When a Bluetooth connection is initiated, the thermostat does not require any form of authentication verification before accepting incoming commands or allowing data transmission. This design flaw directly violates fundamental security principles for IoT devices, as it enables what cybersecurity experts would classify as a privilege escalation vulnerability. The absence of proper cryptographic protection means that any individual within Bluetooth range can potentially establish a connection and issue commands to the device, effectively granting them complete control over the heating system's operation.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents severe implications for both residential and commercial users who rely on these thermostats for climate control management. An attacker with physical proximity to the device can manipulate temperature settings, disable security features, or potentially gain access to broader network information that might be accessible through the thermostat. The impact extends beyond simple inconvenience, as unauthorized temperature adjustments could lead to energy waste, comfort disruption, or even potential safety hazards in extreme weather conditions. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns described in the ATT&CK framework under initial access and privilege escalation techniques, where attackers exploit weak authentication mechanisms to gain control over target systems.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly concerning given that many IoT devices lack robust security features and users often overlook the importance of securing connected home appliances. This flaw represents a classic example of insufficient authentication implementation as categorized by CWE-287, which deals with improper handling of authentication tokens or credentials. The vulnerability creates an attack surface that allows for lateral movement within home networks, as the compromised device could potentially serve as a foothold for further exploitation of other connected devices. Organizations and individuals should consider this vulnerability as part of broader IoT security assessments and implement immediate mitigations including physical security measures, network segmentation, and firmware updates when available.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of firmware updates from the manufacturer if available, though users must verify that the update properly addresses the authentication flaw. Network administrators should implement strict Bluetooth access controls and consider disabling Bluetooth functionality on the device if it is not essential for operation. Physical security measures such as ensuring devices are placed in secure locations away from unauthorized individuals can provide temporary protection. Additionally, users should regularly monitor their device behavior for unusual patterns that might indicate unauthorized access attempts, as this type of vulnerability typically leaves detectable traces in network traffic or device logs. The fundamental lesson here is the critical importance of implementing proper authentication and encryption protocols for all IoT devices regardless of their perceived security risk level.