Jacuzzi App Vulnerability Exposes Private Data
June 23, 2022 • security
You’ll want to read this if you’re one of the millions who own a Jacuzzi hot tub. Researchers have identified a vulnerability in the SmartTub feature of the Jacuzzi Brand app that can reveal your private data to remote malicious attackers. The vulnerability exists in the app’s web interface and could allow attackers to access users’ personal information, including their name, address, email address, and phone number. So if you’ve got a Jacuzzi brand hot tub, update your SmartTub app as soon as possible!
About the SmartTub App
The Jacuzzi Brand app is a free mobile application that allows users to control their Jacuzzi hot tubs from their smartphones. The app includes features such as the ability to remotely turn on and off the hot tub, set the temperature, schedule heating times, and more. The app also provides a web interface that allows users to access their account information and view the status of their Jacuzzi hot tubs.
What’s the Problem?
The vulnerability exists in how the SmartTub feature of the Jacuzzi Brand app handles user input. Specifically, it fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied data before displaying it back to the user. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to supply malicious input that would result in the app displaying sensitive information, such as the user’s name, address, email address, and phone number.
Attack Scenario Explained
An attacker must first gain access to the user’s Jacuzzi account to exploit this vulnerability. The hacker could steal the user’s credentials (username and password) through phishing or other means. Once the attacker has gained access to the user’s account, they can supply malicious input to the SmartTub feature of the app that would cause it to display sensitive information.
What was Data Exposed?
The data that could be exposed due to this vulnerability includes the user’s name, address, email address, and phone number.
How do hackers use this information?
The sensitive information that could be exposed as a result of this vulnerability could be used by attackers for various purposes, such as identity theft, fraud, or targeted phishing attacks.
- Identity theft: The attacker could use the exposed information to impersonate the victim and commit fraud or other crimes.
- Fraud: The attacker could exploit the disclosed information to open new accounts in the victim’s name and run up fraudulent charges.
- Targeted phishing: The attacker could use the exposed data to target the victim with a phishing attack designed to steal their credentials or infect their device with malware.
What Can You Do?
If you’re a Jacuzzi brand hot tub owner, the best thing you can do is update your SmartTub app to the latest version. The Jacuzzi Brand app is available for download from the App Store and Google Play.
In addition to updating your SmartTub app, you should protect your Jacuzzi account credentials (username and password). Be sure to use strong passwords that are difficult to guess, and never reuse passwords across different accounts. You should also enable two-factor authentication (if available) for your Jacuzzi account to further protect it from unauthorized access.
Bottom line
If you own a Jacuzzi hot tub, update your SmartTub app as soon as possible. The company has released an update that fixes the vulnerability, so make sure to download it and change your password for the app. You should also enable two-factor authentication if it’s available.
security
admin is a senior staff writer for Government Technology. She previously wrote for PYMNTS and The Bay State Banner, and holds a B.A. in creative writing from Carnegie Mellon. She’s based outside Boston.