ShareThe recent discovery of a vulnerability in the widely used casino card-shuffling machine, Deckmate 2, has raised concerns about the potential for cheating in casinos. Security researchers from IOActive found that hackers could gain control of the device and manipulate the shuffling process via an exposed USB port.
The Ultimate Cheating Opportunity
The Deckmate 2, commonly found under poker tables, is susceptible to hacking by plugging a small device into the USB port. Hackers can allegedly alter the shuffler's code and tamper with the shuffling process without detection.The researchers exploited a vulnerability in the shuffler's design, which is intended to prevent code alteration. The machine's firmware checks the code's hash value on startup to ensure it matches the known hash value of the unaltered code. However, the researchers were able to bypass this security measure and gain control of the shuffler.
The possible scenario in which cheating could take place is a little far-fetched, admittedly, but given some of the extravagant tales we’ve heard in the past and knowing the lengths that cheaters will go to, it is not out of the realm of possibility.
Cheating players could exploit the vulnerability by going under the table, plugging a device into the USB port, and manipulating the shuffler's code. Alternatively, the shuffler could be hacked remotely through its internal modem. Once compromised, cheaters could access the shuffler's internal camera, which monitors the cards, and transmit the data to a partner's phone via Bluetooth. This would allow a partner to communicate with the cheating player using hand signals or other covert methods.
Joseph Tartaro, a researcher and consultant with security firm IOActive, was particularly interested to get to the bottom of what was possible. His attention was piqued by the report from Hustler Casino Live following the infamous J4 hand which stated that the “Deckmate shuffling machine is secure and cannot be compromised”.
It was now a matter of pride to prove otherwise.
“Let's look at one of these things and see how realistic it really is to cheat. Basically, it allows us to do more or less whatever we want…We can, for example, just read the constant data from the camera so we can know the deck order, and when that deck goes out into play, we know exactly the hand that everyone is going to have.”
The researchers from IOActive were even confident that they would be able to rig the exact order of the deck, let alone read it.
They added that the Deckmate 1 model, which has no external USB port, could also still be compromised by accessing a particular chip inside the case.
More worryingly, the passwords for a collection of units bought second-hand could not be changed, making it likely that all Deckmates could be accessed with the same one. The root password, which allows control of the shuffler, was also weak.
The conclusion from IOActive’s research was that security standards for casino equipment in the United States are out of date.
Enhancing Casino Security
To protect against potential cheating, it is now recommended that casinos should consider implement the following measures to ensure game integrity:- Secure Placement: Place card-shuffling machines in secure locations, limiting access to authorised personnel only.
- Access Control: Implement strict protocols to control access to the machines, ensuring that only authorised individuals can interact with them.
- Advanced Encryption: Use card-shuffling machines equipped with advanced encryption techniques to prevent unauthorised access and tampering.
- Anti-Tampering Features: Design machines with built-in mechanisms to detect and prevent tampering, such as tamper-evident seals or sensors.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of the machines to identify any potential vulnerabilities or signs of tampering.
