Fisher-Price has captivated the imaginations of toddlers and adults alike by updating their popular Chatter phone toy to include real Bluetooth connectivity for the 60^e birthday. Not only kids will love it, but adults can use the toy as a way to take calls. However, this Bluetooth connectivity has opened the doors to threat actors.

Mattel may have thought he was pulling out a charming, innocent toy, but attackers are taking advantage of the Bluetooth function’s operation to potentially play on the conversations.

Pen testing partners tested the toy and earlier this month, the bluetooth component did not offer a secure pairing process. In other words, someone could tap into the audio if they are near the Chatter phone.

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“When it’s on, it simply connects to any Bluetooth device within range that asks to be paired. “ allowing “Audio listening of children and adults” say the researchers.

This would allow a neighbor or someone nearby to connect their device to the Chatter phone, and then listen to the conversations. The researchers even go so far as to say that predators could use the loophole to come into contact with children who also use the toy.

Real threat?

It should be noted that Fisher-Price sold the Bluetooth item to adults, but let’s be clear, who is really going to use this toy as a call speaker for a long time? It’s a gadget and the kids will eventually have the toy to themselves. However, it could be argued that young children would not use this feature. Not to mention that an attacker would need to be near the toy.

Plus, Bluetooth only works as a speakerphone when someone is actively picking up the handset, so it’s really a gimmick. So, is this a minor problem? Maybe, but obviously having an open connection gateway at home is not ideal.

“How did Fisher-Price not learn of the similar safety concerns exhibited in children’s toys several years ago?” “ the researchers wrote. “An improved pairing process may involve an additional push of a button to force the device into a mode that allows pairing. “

Fisher-Price has yet to comment on the find.

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