Dangerous Security Flaw in Chinese Robotic Dogs Allows Remote Control by Hackers Introduction

In an era where technology is rapidly advancing and robots are increasingly penetrating our daily lives, the security of these devices is of utmost importance. Robotic dogs, as one of the latest technological achievements, have high potential for various applications including surveillance, search and rescue, and even entertainment. However, a dangerous security flaw recently discovered in Chinese Unitree Go1 robotic dogs has raised alarm about the potential dangers associated with this technology.Security researchers have identified a dangerous vulnerability in Chinese Unitree Go1 robotic dogs that allows hackers to remotely control these dogs or access their vision system. This vulnerability, which exists in a hidden tunnel service in these robots, can have serious consequences for the privacy and security of users.

Hidden Tunnel Service: A Way to Access Remotely

According to SecurityWeek, the quadruped robot from the Chinese company Unitree Robotics contains a tunnel service that the manufacturers did not disclose. This tunnel service uses CloudSail technology, which is a remote access method developed by Zhexi Technology in China. While CloudSail is typically intended for legal device management, it can also be used for external access to the robotic dog.Researchers warn in their paper: “Anyone who has access to the API key can freely access all robotic dogs on the tunnel network and control them remotely or use their cameras.” This means that hackers can exploit this vulnerability to turn robotic dogs into tools for spying, sabotage, or even cyberattacks.

A Threat to Privacy

Access to the robotic dog’s camera allows hackers to view images and videos recorded by the device and collect sensitive information about the surrounding environment and user activities. This breach of privacy can have serious consequences for victims, especially if robotic dogs are used in sensitive locations such as homes, offices, or government centers.Researchers say that regardless of whether this vulnerability has been exploited so far, the mere presence of this service without user knowledge endangers their security. Failure to inform users about the existence of this hidden tunnel service is a major breach of trust by the robotic dog manufacturers. Users have the right to know how their devices work and what risks they may face.

Remnants of Old Codebase: A Sign of Negligence

This robot, which sells for around $4,000 in the United States, contains remnants of an old and inactive codebase for the tunnel client, in which the early stages of development can be seen. This indicates that robotic dog manufacturers have been negligent in removing unnecessary code and securing their devices.Researchers say CloudSail API data shows that a total of 1,919 robots have been connected to this service at some point, although only 2 devices are currently active. This means that a large number of robotic dogs have been at risk of exploitation of this vulnerability.

Possibility of Vulnerability in Other Products

Researchers suspect that similar security holes exist in other Unitree products, including newer models such as the Go2 or the company’s humanoid robots. This raises concerns about the security of other robotic devices manufactured by this company.Overall, they say that the discovery of this undocumented tunnel service, which was created without user knowledge or consent, poses a significant security risk, especially in sensitive locations where these robots are used. This risk is particularly serious in sensitive locations such as homes, offices, government centers, and critical infrastructure.

Solutions to Counter the Threat

To counter this threat, the following measures need to be taken:

1. Raising Awareness: Informing users about the potential risks associated with robotic dogs and how to protect themselves.
2. Security Audit: Conducting periodic security audits on robotic dogs to identify and fix vulnerabilities.
3. Software Update: Updating the software of robotic dogs with the latest security patches.
4. Password Change: Changing the default password of robotic dogs with a strong and unique password.
5. Limiting Access: Limiting access to robotic dogs to trusted individuals.
6. Using Firewall: Using a firewall to protect the network against cyberattacks.
7. Monitoring Activity: Monitoring the activity of robotic dogs to identify any suspicious behavior.
8. Transparency and Disclosure: Robotic dog manufacturers should inform users about the existence of any security vulnerabilities and provide solutions to fix them.
9. Security Standards: Developing security standards for robotic dogs and other robotic devices.
10. Accountability: Robotic dog manufacturers should be accountable for damages resulting from security vulnerabilities in their products.

The Importance of Security in the Robotics Age

The discovery of this security flaw in Chinese robotic dogs highlights the importance of security in the robotics age. With the increasing use of robots in everyday life, we need to pay special attention to the security of these devices. Otherwise, we may face serious consequences for our privacy and security.The security flaw discovered in Unitree Go1 robotic dogs is a serious threat to the privacy and security of users. To counter this threat, it is necessary to take measures of awareness-raising, security audits, software updates, password changes, limiting access, using firewalls, monitoring activity, transparency and disclosure, developing security standards and accountability. Given the increasing use of robots in everyday life, the security of these devices is of utmost importance and should be taken seriously.

Increasing User Awareness

Raising user awareness of the security risks associated with robots and smart devices is one of the most important strategies for preventing potential abuses. Users need to understand that these devices, like computers and mobile phones, are vulnerable to cyberattacks and must take the necessary steps to protect themselves. Educating users on how to identify and report suspicious behavior, use strong passwords, and update their device software can significantly improve their security.Ensuring the security of robots and smart devices requires close cooperation between manufacturers, security researchers, and government agencies. Manufacturers must adhere to security principles in the design and development of their products and continuously seek to identify and fix potential vulnerabilities. Security researchers should also carefully examine these devices, discover existing vulnerabilities, and report them to manufacturers. Government agencies should also protect users by developing security standards and regulations and monitoring their implementation.

Creating a Security Ecosystem for Robots

Creating a comprehensive security ecosystem for robots, including developing standards, creating CERT centers (Computer Emergency Response Teams) specifically for robots, and developing specific security tools, can significantly increase the level of security of these devices. This ecosystem should be designed to enable rapid identification and effective response to cyberattacks.Investing in research and development of robot security is one of the most necessary steps to counter security threats related to these devices. Developing new algorithms to identify malicious behavior, creating intrusion detection systems specifically for robots, and designing resistant security architectures can significantly increase the security of robots.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Robot Security

Artificial intelligence can play an important role in increasing robot security. Machine learning algorithms can be used to identify malicious behavioral patterns, detect anomalies, and predict cyberattacks. Also, artificial intelligence can be used to develop automated defense systems that are capable of responding quickly and effectively to attacks.The security flaw discovered in Unitree Go1 robotic dogs is a prime example of the security risks associated with robotic devices. To counter these risks, it is necessary to take measures of awareness, security review, software updates, password changes, limiting access, using firewalls, monitoring activity, transparency and disclosure, developing security standards, accountability, cooperation between manufacturers, researchers and government agencies, creating a security ecosystem, investing in research and development of robot security, and using artificial intelligence should be done. Given the increasing use of robots in everyday life, the security of these devices is of utmost importance and should be taken seriously.