Malicious HDMI Cables Steals Photos, Videos, and Location Data

John Bumstead, who works for a company called 404Media that fixes and sells used electronics, found an iPhone-to-HDMI adapter that seemed normal at first. However, the app that came with it was tricky because it asked users to scan a QR code.

This code leads to an ad-filled website, prompting downloads of an invasive app that requests various permissions, collects data, and sends it to China.

Bumstead tweeted about a spy-themed lightning cable, and unlike the HDMI adapter, this cable is a knockoff but resembles Apple’s design.

MG, the researcher behind the malicious Lightning cables, included the risky adapter, anticipating users installing questionable apps.

Technical analysis

The researcher used an old iPhone to connect the cord, which displayed a QR code and “LIVE TV” branding. Scanning it led to EZ Cast’s website, boasting over 10M users worldwide.

Check Point previously analyzed an insecure EZCast device, which could be easily brute-forced due to a weak 8-digit password. The company contacted EZCast in 2016 but received no response, indicating a lack of security considerations. 

The website displayed ads for a streaming service called ‘FANJESTIC,’ known for difficult cancellations, unrelated to the EZ Cast app obtained via the QR code.

The app requested location access and Privacy Policy acceptance from Actions Microelectronics Co., Ltd., outlining the collection of the following data:-

• Email address
• Use tracking cookies take location
• Track favorite videos
• Track videos watched
• Track bookmarks
• Track location Data
• Track Sensor Data
• Tracking Cookies Data
• Installed Apps Data

The data collection aimed at targeted ads and required access to the Local Network, photos, settings, Bluetooth, and camera.

While fascinated by unusual cables and gadgets, the adapter’s significance is tied to the FTC’s Amazon lawsuit which highlighted the site navigation issues and spammy ads.

Recyclers often acquire Amazon returns, including cables Bumstead collects from them. While not entirely certain it all comes from Amazon, recyclers have indicated so, as Amazon disposes of unsold FBA inventory.

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