A security firm has discovered a vulnerability in Samsung’s ‘Smart’ TVs that allows the devices to be hacked which, if left unpatched, would permit the system’s microphone and camera to used to spy on the viewer.

Similar to an XBox Kinect, the Samsung  ’Smart Hub’ line of televisions allows users to control the television via physical gestures and voice control. A high definition camera is also used by the device to allow Skype calls. The device also includes facial recognition technology. However, these features can also be hijacked to turn the television into a modern day equivalent of George Orwell’s telescreen.

“In an e-mail exchange with Security Ledger, the Malta-based firm said that the previously unknown (“zero day”) hole affects Samsung Smart TVs running the latest version of the company’s Linux-based firmware. It could give an attacker the ability to access any file available on the remote device, as well as external devices (such as USB drives) connected to the TV. And, in a Orwellian twist, the hole could be used to access cameras and microphones attached to the Smart TVs, giving remote attacker the ability to spy on those viewing a compromised set.”

The vulnerability was discovered by ReVuln, who noted that the security hole cannot be patched without voiding the TV’s warranty. In the video above, ReVuln researchers show how easy it is to gain access to the TV’s root files and copy entire contents of the hard drive as well as passwords and social networking information.

ReVuln only agreed to divulge the information to paying subscribers and Samsung did not respond to requests asking for a comment on the issue.

The use of microphones to record conversations is a major privacy issue in the both the public and private sector.

read more http://www.infowars.com/samsung-tvs-can-be-hacked-to-spy-on-viewers/