A recent security lapse discovered by two University of California, Santa Cruz students has brought attention to the potential risks associated with internet-connected devices. The students, Alexander Sherbrooke and Iakov Taranenko, found a vulnerability in the internet-connected washing machines provided by CSC ServiceWorks, a company that owns a vast number of laundry and vending machines in colleges, laundromats, and multi-housing communities across several countries.
Exploitation of API for Free Laundry Services
Sherbrooke and Taranenko were able to exploit an API for the machines’ app, allowing them to remotely command the washing machines to work without payment. Furthermore, they were able to manipulate a laundry account to show an inflated balance of millions of dollars. Despite reporting the vulnerability to CSC ServiceWorks in January, the company failed to respond to their emails and phone call.
The lack of response from CSC ServiceWorks prompted Sherbrooke and Taranenko to share their findings with the public. They discovered that the company had a published list of commands that could potentially allow anyone to connect to all of CSC’s network-connected laundry machines. This oversight highlights the company’s disregard for addressing security concerns in a timely manner.
CSC ServiceWorks’ vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges posed by the internet of things. While the students may have exploited the vulnerability for free laundry services, the broader implications of lax cybersecurity practices extend beyond just washing machines. In some cases, hackers or malicious actors could exploit similar vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive data or control over other internet-connected devices.
As the use of internet-connected devices continues to proliferate, it is essential for companies like CSC ServiceWorks to prioritize cybersecurity and respond promptly to reported vulnerabilities. The incident involving the university students underscores the importance of regular security audits and proactive measures to protect against potential exploits. Failure to address security lapses in internet-connected devices can have far-reaching consequences, highlighting the urgent need for robust cybersecurity practices in the digital age.
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