Luxury Japanese E-Toilets can be Controlled by Hackers

A range of luxury electronic toilets manufactured in Japan are vulnerable to cyber-attackers, who may be able to control the lid and the flush mechanism via Bluetooh.

An advisory notice published by e-security firm Trustwave Holdings has warned that the Satis smart toilet, a luxury commode which allows users to control various functions electronically, can be accessed by hackers exploiting a weakness in the "My Satis" Android companion app.

The firm alleges that a fault in the app's coding allows mischief-makers to control any Satis toilet, allowing them to remotely flush it or to send up an unexpected shoot of water via the commode's bidet function.

Though the actual damage caused by this "hack" would be minimal, Trustwave warns it could be used to cause distress to Satis users or increase their utility bills.

"An attacker could simply download the 'My Satis' application and use it to cause the toilet to repeatedly flush, raising the water usage and therefore utility cost to its owner," the firm says.

"Attackers could also cause the unit to unexpectedly open/close the lid or activate bidet or air-dry functions, causing discomfort or distress to the user."

Defecation records

The Satis toilet also maintains detailed 'defecation records', recording when it was used and for what purpose. These records could also be accessed via the compromised Android app.

Cyber-security blogger Graham Cluley told the BBC that despite the undoubtedly hilarious effects of abusing the Satis app, the fact it relied on a Bluetooth connection to the toilets themselves would limit its range.

"It's easy to see how a practical joker might be able to trick his neighbours into thinking his toilet is possessed as it squirts water and blows warm air unexpectedly on their intended victim, but it's hard to imagine how serious hardened cybercriminals would be interested in this security hole."

Trustwave has contacted Lixil, which develops the Satis but is yet to receive a response. The luxury toilet retails for up to £3,800.