Do you own an Asus router? If so, your device may have been one of thousands compromised in a large campaign waged by cybercriminals looking to exploit it. In a blog post published Wednesday, security firm GreyNoise revealed that the attack was staged by what it suggests is "a well-resourced and highly capable adversary." Also: Massive data breach exposes 184 million passwords for Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and more To gain initial access, the attackers used brute-force login techniques and two different methods to bypass the built-in authentication. They've also been able to exploit certain vulnerabilities not yet assigned official CVE numbers. Once they'd accessed the router, they were able to run arbitrary system commands by exploiting a known security flaw identified as CVE-2023-39780. Though no malware was actually installed, the attackers certainly left their mark. By using built-in Asus settings, they were able to set up SSH access, a secure way to connect to and control a remote device. They also installed a backdoor to return easily to the router's firmware without worrying about authentication. The backdoor was stored in non-volatile memory (NVRAM), which meant it couldn't be removed by rebooting the router or updating its firmware. To avoid being caught, the criminals even disabled logging, which would otherwise record their access. Also: Why no small business is too small for hackers - and 8 security best practices for SMBs Based on data from internet scanner Ce...
Your Asus router may be compromised - here's how to tell and what to do
ZDNet
·Lance Whitney
·Published May 29, 2025
·Updated
Affected Software
2 affected components
ASUS router
ASUS router
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is the main topic of this article?
The article discusses a security vulnerability affecting Asus routers, highlighting how they may have been compromised by cybercriminals.
2
What security implications are discussed in this article?
The article details the potential for unauthorized access and exploitation of personal data through compromised Asus routers.
3
What products or software are affected?
The affected products specifically mentioned are various models of Asus routers.
4
How can users determine if their Asus router is compromised?
The article provides guidance on specific signs and checks that indicate whether an Asus router has been compromised.
5
What steps should users take if their Asus router is compromised?
Users are advised to follow recommended security measures, including updating firmware and changing passwords.