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Introduction
Asus routers have long been known for their reliable performance and secure network features. However, recent reports suggest that cybercriminals may have successfully compromised thousands of these devices. A sophisticated attack campaign, discovered by security firm GreyNoise, indicates that your router may have been targetedâleaving behind hidden backdoors and vulnerabilities. This article explores the attack in-depth, outlining how you can identify if your Asus router has been compromised, and what steps to take to secure it.
the Original
Recent revelations by GreyNoise security firm have brought to light a major cybersecurity issue impacting Asus routers. Hackers, presumed to be a highly skilled and well-resourced group, used brute-force login attempts to gain unauthorized access to these devices. Through sophisticated methods, including exploiting vulnerabilities without CVE identifiers, the attackers were able to bypass built-in authentication and exploit a critical flaw known as CVE-2023-39780. While no malware was installed, they left behind a hidden backdoor and established SSH access, allowing them to control affected routers remotely.
This attack, which has affected over 9,000 routers according to Censys data, is raising alarms in the cybersecurity community. The attackers are operating stealthily, avoiding detection and slowing down their exploitation process. The motivation behind the attack seems to be the creation of a distributed network of compromised devices, potentially building the foundation for a botnet. The use of system-level features for persistence, such as modifying non-volatile memory (NVRAM), highlights the advanced nature of this attack.
GreyNoise attributes this attack to tactics commonly seen in state-sponsored cyber operations, with the possibility of nation-state actors involved. Although no specific group has been identified, the sophistication of the operation points to a capable adversary with considerable resources. To protect your Asus router, GreyNoise recommends checking for SSH access settings and updating firmware. If already compromised, users should disable SSH, block suspicious IPs, and reset their routers to remove traces of the attack.
What Undercode Says:
This type of attack is a reminder that home networks, often assumed to be secure, are just as vulnerable to sophisticated threats as large corporate systems. The way these attackers operateâusing built-in features like SSH for remote access and exploiting unpatched vulnerabilitiesâdemonstrates a growing trend of highly-targeted, stealthy campaigns aimed at creating long-term access to critical devices.
While no malware was deployed in this instance, the attack’s intent seems to align with the creation of a botnetâa network of compromised devices that can be used for future malicious purposes, such as DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks. The fact that the backdoor was stored in non-volatile memory is particularly alarming, as it allows the attackers to maintain access even after rebooting or updating the routerâs firmware. This kind of persistence is common in advanced persistent threat (APT) operations, often linked to nation-state actors who are more interested in long-term strategic advantage than immediate disruption.
From an analytical perspective, itâs concerning that such an attack could go undetected for so long, especially with over 9,000 routers affected. This highlights how slow-moving but sustained attacks can be more dangerous than fast-moving ones, as they allow attackers to quietly build an infrastructure over time. The deliberate disabling of logging and careful concealment of their presence shows that the perpetrators are taking extensive measures to avoid detectionâtypical behavior for advanced cybercriminals or state-sponsored hackers.
This attack underscores the importance of regularly updating your devices and reviewing network configurations to ensure that no unauthorized access has been established. Given the fact that these hackers have targeted vulnerabilities yet to be assigned CVE numbers, the need for proactive, rather than reactive, security measures is more pressing than ever.
Fact Checker Results:
Accuracy of the Attack: The
Targeted Devices: Data from Censys confirms that over 9,000 Asus routers have been affected, but the campaignâs progress remains slow.
Firmware Update Effectiveness: Updating firmware does not completely remove the backdoor if the router has already been compromised.
Prediction:
Given the slow and stealthy nature of this attack, it’s likely that similar campaigns targeting other router brands will emerge, especially as cybercriminals increasingly target home devices as part of botnet operations. It’s important to remain vigilant, regularly check your router settings, and stay up-to-date on security patches to mitigate future risks.
References:
Reported By: www.zdnet.com
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