US — The Verge
Just about anyone can rent access to White House IP addresses
Security1 min read
Security researchers found that devices on the White House network were sending traffic through residential proxy services. That means outsiders could potentially rent a way to use the presidential network's internet connection.
What happened
Security firms Layer3 Intel and Synthient found signs that someone at the White House appears to be running software that lets outsiders rent access to the presidential network. The software is a residential proxy. It routes other people's internet traffic through a home or office connection, which hides where the traffic really comes from. Researchers say anyone could rent this access for just "a few dollars."
Key facts
- Layer3 Intel found activity from 28 residential proxy services on the White House network.
- The activity ran from October 5 to November 3.
- It usually happened between 5 PM and midnight Eastern Time.
- Synthient linked the activity to the watch party app Rave, which it says bundles 12 proxy kits (SDKs) into its platform.
What is a residential proxy?
A residential proxy lets people rent a home internet address and send their traffic through it. Some apps and browser extensions include third-party software kits that quietly turn a user's device into a proxy. Companies can then sell access to those devices. People can use these services legally, such as for checking ads or testing products. But hackers also use them to hide their location, get around blocks, build botnets, and take over accounts.
Why it matters
If outsiders can use the White House network to hide their activity, it could be a serious security problem. Layer3 says the pattern suggests a person whose device is infected with a proxy kit, not a public guest Wi-Fi network. Researchers also warned that the proxy is open to anyone who pays for it. This shows how a single app on one device can open a door to a very sensitive network.
What to watch
- Whether the White House confirms and fixes the problem.
- Whether the Rave app or the proxy providers respond to the findings.
- Any new reports on which devices or services were involved.
Glossary
- residential proxy
- A service that lets people rent a home internet address to send their traffic through, hiding where it comes from.
- Layer3 Intel
- A security firm that found residential proxy activity on the White House network.
- Synthient
- A security firm that found proxy activity on the White House network and linked it to the Rave app.