A recent presentation at the Black Hat USA 2024 conference revealed a concerning vulnerability in Sonos One devices. Researchers, Robert Herrera and Alex Plaskett from NCC Group, demonstrated how an attacker could exploit a flaw in the device’s Wi-Fi stack to gain access to the microphone and capture real-time audio. This vulnerability stemmed from a handshake issue during the Sonos One’s connection to a router, leaving a window for an attacker to force their way into the device and access the microphone. The exploit allowed attackers to capture all audio input from the vicinity of the device, potentially recording private conversations. While the researchers emphasized that the exploit was not easily implemented and required the attacker to be physically present near the Sonos One, the demonstration highlighted the potential risks associated with smart home devices and the importance of robust security measures. Thankfully, Sonos quickly responded to the reported vulnerability and released patches in October 2023 for both its S1 and S2 systems. This proactive response demonstrates Sonos’ commitment to security and underscores the importance of regular software updates. While the vulnerability was patched promptly, it serves as a reminder that even seemingly secure devices can be susceptible to attacks. This incident emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and proactive security measures to protect user privacy and data within the growing ecosystem of smart home devices.
Sonos One Microphone Hacked: A Security Flaw and Its Fix
