The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has recently issued a vulnerability note, CIVN-2025-0043, addressing an information disclosure vulnerability in Tinxy smart devices. Designated with the CVE identifier CVE-2025-2189, this vulnerability has been classified with a medium severity rating, raising concerns about the potential risks it poses to users’ security and privacy in the realm of smart home automation.
As the adoption of smart home technologies continues to surge, the presence of vulnerabilities in connected devices amplifies the potential threat to users’ security and privacy. The recent identification of this vulnerability underscores the critical necessity for robust security protocols in smart devices to thwart unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
The vulnerability affects several Tinxy smart devices commonly utilized in home automation, including models such as the Tinxy Wi-Fi Lock Controller v1 RF, Tinxy Door Lock with Wi-Fi Controller, Tinxy 1 Node 10A and 16 Smart Wi-Fi Switches, Tinxy 2, 4, and 6 Node Smart Wi-Fi Switches, Tinxy Smart 15 Watts 3 in 1 Square Panel Ceiling Light, and Tinxy Smart 8 Watts 3 in 1 Round Panel Ceiling Light. These devices enable users to remotely control locks, lights, and switches through Wi-Fi-enabled systems, enhancing convenience and efficiency in home management.
The reported vulnerability, CVE-2025-2189, poses the risk of enabling an attacker with physical access to the device to retrieve sensitive information stored within it. The exposure of plaintext credentials stored in the firmware elevates the likelihood of unauthorized access, thereby heightening the security jeopardy for users relying on Tinxy smart devices for automation and security functionalities.
Various stakeholders are particularly advised to remain vigilant and concerned about this vulnerability, including homeowners, end-users leveraging Tinxy smart devices for home automation, IT administrators, security professionals overseeing Tinxy-enabled smart environments, as well as businesses and organizations leveraging Tinxy smart switches and locks for security and operational efficacy.
CERT-In has evaluated this vulnerability as a medium-risk threat, emphasizing its potential impact on users’ data confidentiality and the heightened risk of unauthorized access if exploited. The compromise of stored credentials, the prospect of unauthorized device control, and the looming threat of escalating attacks within a smart home network are highlighted as key risks associated with this vulnerability.
The technical description of the vulnerability elucidates that Tinxy smart devices operate as Wi-Fi-enabled automation products enabling users to command home security, lighting, and appliances remotely. The vulnerability stems from the storage of plaintext credentials within the device firmware, providing an opening for attackers with physical access to extract the firmware binary, analyze its contents, and obtain the hardcoded credentials stored within the device. Once in possession of these credentials, an attacker could potentially infiltrate the smart home network, manipulate device settings, and exploit additional security loopholes within interconnected home automation systems.
The discovery of this vulnerability, credited to Shravan Singh from Mumbai, India, underscores the critical imperative for robust encryption practices in Internet of Things (IoT) and smart home devices to forestall similar security susceptibilities.
To mitigate the risks posed by this vulnerability, CERT-In has advised users to perform a comprehensive risk assessment concerning the continued use of Tinxy smart devices, implement stringent physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access, adhere to vendor instructions regarding firmware updates and security patches, and consider discontinuing the use of affected devices if enduring remedial solutions are not promptly addressed. Additionally, users are encouraged to adopt best practices for securing smart devices, such as regularly updating firmware, utilizing strong and unique passwords, enabling network segmentation, disabling unnecessary features, and monitoring network activity for aberrant behavior in connected devices.
In conclusion, the exposure of vulnerability CVE-2025-2189 mandates a heightened focus on physical and network security measures among users and administrators of Tinxy smart devices. By proactively implementing recommended security measures, remaining informed about potential vulnerabilities, and adhering to vendor-recommended mitigations, users can mitigate risks, fortify data protection, curtail unauthorized access, and enhance the overall security posture of their smart home ecosystems.
As the proliferation of IoT devices continues unabated, the adoption of best practices for securing smart devices becomes paramount in cultivating a safer, more resilient smart home environment for users.