Can your “smart TV” watch you?

LAS VEGAS Closing the curtains in your living room may not close the doors to potential hackers. At a protest Friday in Las Vegas, researchers showed an audience of children at Defcon Kids how a Samsung smart TV can be hacked.

So-called smart TVs have an operating system installed that is similar to a smartphone, which hosts third-party apps. People can browse the internet, launch apps and take photos using their remotes.

Hackers clearly identify what is most at risk

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Smart home security vulnerabilities exposed

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Brought to you by security engineers Aaron Grattafiori and Josh Yavor of iSEC Partners, the exploit works by inserting malicious JavaScript code into application text boxes, such as a Skype chat window or Facebook comments.

Researchers told CBSNews.com that the more dynamic a website is, the more opportunities there are to insert code. They point out that the problem is not with the apps, but with how they were designed for Samsung's Smart TV.

Grattafiori said he tested his exploit on Samsung Smart TVs because they offer the most functionality, which creates more of an opportunity to find security holes. He added that they haven't tried other smart TVs yet.

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One of the immediate questions that arises is whether the TV can turn its camera on its owner and open a gateway for home monitoring. Researchers say a hacker could potentially take control of the TV's camera undetected.

"They could actually either view live, stream video to your home or office, or take pictures of you with a camera." Grattafiori said about potential hackers. “There is no physical indicator, or visual indicator, to let you know your camera is on or to take pictures of you.”

Grattafiori said they contacted Samsung about their findings, and the company was responsive to their research. It's unclear whether the security flaw can be found in TVs made by other manufacturers.

A Samsung spokesperson told CBSNews.com that the company is aware of security issues with the Smart TV and has released a software update. to solve the problem. The company says it is taking steps to vigorously strengthen security and protect the privacy of its customers.

iSEC partners initially presented their findings at the Black Hat conference this week, along with a

Verizon femtocell feat

which allows hackers to take control of mini cell towers. Other researchers have shown how cybercriminals can

hack “smart home” control systems

. They also exposed vulnerabilities in the

iphone chargers

, driverless cars and

other high-tech devices

.