Introduction
Smart homes have revolutionized the way we interact with our living spaces lights controlled by voice, smart locks accessed through apps, Many smart TVs are paired with smartphones for convenience such that remote control, casting, or app sync. But with great convenience comes a complex chain of interconnected devices, each potentially serving as an entry point for cyber threats. The growing ecosystem of IoT (Internet of Things) in homes has made chain attacks not only possible but increasingly widespread.
This blog explores real-world scenarios of IoT chain attacks in smart homes, examining how attackers exploit one weak device to compromise entire networks.
Understanding IoT Chain Attacks
As the IoT landscape expands—from smart TVs to industrial sensors—these devices often lack built-in defenses, turning them into ideal targets for chain-style cyberattacks, as highlighted in our analysis of emerging cybersecurity threats for 2025.
Real-World Scenario: Hijacking through the Smart TV — An IoT Attack Chain Breakdown
Smart TVs have become universal in modern homes, offering streaming services, app stores, and internet connectivity. However, many consumers and even some security teams underestimate the risks these devices can create. This scenario reveals how an attacker exploited a vulnerable smart TV to invade a home network, steal sensitive data, and maintain persistent control.
Attack Chain Detailed Analysis
- Entry Point: Vulnerable Smart TV Firmware
During network scanning attacker identified a smart TV model running an outdated version of Android-based firmware. This firmware had a known Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability that allowed malicious code to be executed remotely. Due to unusual or non-existent firmware updates by the manufacturer or user neglect, this vulnerability was still exploitable.
- Payload Delivery via Malicious Video File
The attacker crafted a malicious video file embedded with exploit code designed to trigger the RCE vulnerability when played. This file was uploaded to a compromised or malicious third-party app store accessible through the smart TV.
- Pivot: Network Reconnaissance and Discovery of NAS
Once the malware executed on the smart TV, attacker performed local network scanning to identify other connected devices. It discovered a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device used by the household to store large volumes of personal data. The smart TV, connected on the same home network, had enough privileges or lacked network segmentation controls, enabling lateral movement.
- Data Exfiltration of Sensitive Files
The malware silently accessed the NAS, extracting private family photos, personal documents, and sensitive files. The data was transfer over the internet to the attacker’s server without raising suspicion. Beyond privacy invasion, this data could be used for identity theft, blackmail, or sold on dark web marketplaces.
- Persistence access via Rootkit Installation
To ensure long-term control, the malware installed a rootkit on the smart TV’s firmware, embedding itself deep in the device’s operating system. Rootkits can hide malware processes and maintain backdoor access. This rootkit will not affect device restarts and firmware reboots.
Mitigations
General Guidelines and best practices
- Regular Firmware Updates: Manufacturers must provide timely security patches; users should ensure devices are regularly updated.
- Secure App Sources: Only use trusted and verified app stores, and avoid direct installation apps from unknown sources.
- Monitor Network Traffic: Unusual data flows or spikes may indicate Information leakage attempts.
- Network Segmentation: Separate IoT devices from sensitive data stores via VLANs or guest networks to limit lateral movement.
Few references on mandated guidelines
- Refer the “IOT security guidelines published by NIST” https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-53r5.pdf
In a smart home environment, these principles could ensure that even if one device is compromised, the attacker cannot easily pivot to others. For example, using multi-factor authentication (MFA) or ensuring that communication between devices is encrypted.
- Refer the “ENISA (European Union Agency for Cybersecurity) Recommendations” https://www.enisa.europa.eu/publications/guidelines-for-securing-the-internet-of-things.
For smart homes, ENISA’s recommendations could help manufacturers implement security features directly into their devices, preventing chain attacks from occurring by default.
- Refer the upcoming “DPDP Act (2023) – Data Protection Implications for Connected Devices”, which will talk about the security aspects like Data privacy, Security standards, Breach notifications, Data minimization. The information related to the IOT security act may officially be published on the official government website. https://www.meity.gov.in/
- Refer the “CIS controls IOT security companion guide” https://www.cisecurity.org/insights/white-papers/cis-controls-v8-internet-of-things-companion-guide.
The guideline provided controls to develop best practices and guidance for implementing CIS Critical Security Controls v8 in association with a variety of devices within the Internet of Things (IoT)
There are blog post and case studies available for getting more insights on the Home IOT system and their security. Readers can refer the same on the below provided links-
- IoT Security: Deja Vu Or Part 2?
- 5 cyber-attacks caused by IoT security vulnerabilities
- How to Protect Your IoT-Based Smart Home Devices From …
Conclusion
Smart home ecosystems offer unmatched convenience, but they also introduce a serious security challenge: interconnected vulnerability. When one weak link in the chain—such as a poorly secured smart bulb, voice assistant, or outdated router—is compromised, attackers can pivot laterally to gain control over more critical devices like smart locks, cameras, or even alarm systems.
This “domino effect” highlights the urgent need for a zero-trust architecture within home networks, regular firmware updates, proper device segmentation (e.g., via VLANs or guest networks), and user awareness of privacy settings and access controls.
As smart home adoption grows, so does the attack surface. It is no longer sufficient to secure only the high-value devices; security must be holistic—because in the world of interconnected devices, compromising one often means controlling all.
