Hackers Stalked Me by Hijacking a Smartwatch for Kids
Security researchers hacked a child's smartwatch, enabling them to track the wearer's location, take photos, and listen in on conversations.
Intelligence analysis by Qwen 2.5 (3B)
Security researchers discovered vulnerabilities in GPS-enabled smartwatches from three Chinese companies, allowing hackers to track children and intercept messages.
Some bad people found a way to look at where you are and listen to what you say using your watch. It’s like if someone put a bug in your pocket that could see where you go and hear everything you say.
Analysis
Vulnerabilities in GPS-enabled Smartwatches
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SETracker: The researchers found multiple vulnerabilities in SETracker's platform, including a lack of authentication which allowed anyone to access any device. They were initially told the issues had been resolved but later confirmed they still exist.
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NewGPS2012: Another Shenzhen-based platform was also vulnerable, with server-side flaws that exposed consumer information and appeared to show unauthorized access to the system's backend.
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SinoTrack: The researchers found similar vulnerabilities in SinoTrack’s car trackers and smartwatches. They were unable to confirm if these issues had been fully fixed.
SETracker
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Authentication Flaws: Researchers could bypass authentication, allowing anyone to access any device on the platform.
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Server-Side Vulnerabilities: The server exposed consumer information and appeared to show unauthorized access to backend systems.
NewGPS2012
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Vulnerability in Authentication: Similar flaws were found with a lack of authentication, allowing anyone to access any device on the platform.
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Server-Side Flaws: The server exposed consumer information and appeared to show unauthorized access to backend systems.
SinoTrack
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Authentication Issues: Researchers could bypass authentication, allowing anyone to access any device on the platform.
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Potential Unauthorized Access: The system's backend showed signs of unauthorized access.
Key points
- Security researchers found vulnerabilities in GPS-enabled smartwatches from three Chinese companies
- The vulnerabilities allow hackers to track the wearer's location and intercept messages
- Parents who use these gadgets for child tracking are at risk of privacy breaches
With more awareness, companies can fix these problems so the watches don’t let bad people spy on kids anymore.
If not fixed soon, these watches might still be used to watch over children without their parents knowing.
