Hackers can potentially use Internet-connected HDTVs to infiltrate malware into home networks, says the latest report by a maker of security software for smartphones, VoIP devices and TVs.

Mocana conducted the tests on a range of inter-connected TVs, during which a security flaw was discovered in the kit of an unspecified manufacturer. The firm does not elaborate on the firm involved or the security weakness, at least until a fix is released.

In its press release Mocana says that the security bug is a way to hack into consumers’ home network and potentially intercept and redirect internet traffic to and from the HDTV to mount phishing scams, gain access to backend services from third-party organisations (such as video streaming) or monitor and report on consumers’ private internet usage habits.

Mocana’s researchers managed to deploy hacking techniques familiar to the world of PC skullduggery (such as “rogue DNS”, “rogue DHCP server”, or TCP session hijacking techniques) to inject JavaScript onto a vulnerable device "allowing attackers script integrity before running code".

Meanwhile, some observers question the research and prospects of such scenario because similar warnings are not new today, and they believe perpetrators are not very interested in hacking TVs or refrigerators in order to turn them off so that you couldn’t see your favorite TV program or freeze your fish.