National Top-selling handgun safe can be remotely opened in seconds—no PIN needed

Joe Link · Dec 11, 2017

One of Amazon's top-selling electronic gun safes contains a critical vulnerability that allows it to be opened by virtually anyone, even when they don't know the password.

The Vaultek VT20i handgun safe, ranked fourth in Amazon's gun safes and cabinets category, allows owners to electronically open the door using a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone app. The remote unlock feature is supposed to work only when someone knows the four- to eight-digit personal identification number used to lock the device. But it turns out that this PIN safeguard can be bypassed using a standard computer and a small amount of programming know-how.

As the video demonstration below shows, researchers with security firm Two Six Labs were able to open a VT20i safe in a matter of seconds by using their MacBook Pro to send specially designed Bluetooth data while it was in range. The feat required no knowledge of the unlock PIN or any advanced scanning of the vulnerable safe. The hack works reliably even when the PIN is changed. All that's required to make it work is that the safe have Bluetooth connectivity turned on.

Continue Reading: Top-selling handgun safe can be remotely opened in seconds—no PIN needed

Joe13 · Dec 11, 2017

This is why I only use analog safes.

Say no to electric locks and guns

Alexx1401 · Dec 11, 2017

I'm with Joe13 on this for a few reasons. I have always been leery of electronic locks on anything that holds a gun I may need. I know many love them and that's fine. I just prefer mechanical.
Now as far as this one goes to me this seems like a big "who cares". This (at least to me) is the kind of thing you keep a gun it to keep it from kids and such. This is not something I would consider security like a home safe. So if someone is capable of using a computer to "hack it" I don't think this is the kind of person I am trying to keep out of the box. Not to mention there is now way in hell I would trust my damn smart phone to get access to a gun I may need in an instant. I just can't see why? When we had kids I bought several gun boxes that I could bolt down. Simplex locks that you can open by feel. Seldom use them any more but still have them in case kids from someone else come over.