ASUS Router Alert: Thousands Hacked to Form Massive Botnet

The post ASUS Router Alert: Thousands Hacked to Form Massive Botnet appeared first on Android Headlines.

May 29, 2025 - 22:20

A concerning security alert has just hit the tech and cybersecurity worlds. Thousands of ASUS routers have been compromised in a widespread hacking campaign. These devices aren’t just a little bit vulnerable; they’ve been co-opted to form a massive botnet, allowing attackers to plant damaging malware and maintain persistent control. If you own an ASUS router, it’s time to pay close attention.

Hacked ASUS routers become part of a botnet

This isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill digital nuisance. The hackers behind this operation appear to be highly sophisticated, with tactics suggesting a potential link to advanced persistent threat (APT) actors. If you’re not aware, these are the kind of groups with serious resources and long-term goals. Their method of attack was a mix of classic and complex: initially gaining access to poorly secured routers through brute force attacks and by bypassing authentication. Once inside, they exploited a specific command injection flaw (identified as CVE-2023-39780) to run system commands and install a backdoor.

What makes this especially tricky is the nature of the backdoor they’re installing. It’s designed for long-term access, meaning it can survive reboots and even firmware updates. This approach ensures the attackers maintain control over the compromised device. Crucially, it doesn’t immediately drop a “stage-two” payload of malware, which can make detection incredibly difficult for the average user. It’s like having a hidden key to your front door that nobody knows about.

The exact number of compromised routers remains unknown. However, security researchers indicate it’s in the thousands, and, worryingly, it continues to grow. This botnet could be used for various malicious activities, from launching denial-of-service attacks to spreading further malware or even siphoning off data.

So, what should you do if you own an ASUS router?

The good news is that ASUS has been on top of this. They’ve released firmware updates specifically designed to address the vulnerability (CVE-2023-39780) that attackers exploited. Your first and most crucial step is to update your router’s firmware immediately. Check the ASUS support website for your specific router model to download and install the latest version.

Beyond the immediate fix, there are additional measures you can take. First, always remember to set strong, unique passwords for your router’s administration interface and Wi-Fi network. Always avoid permanently maintaining default credentials. You should also disable remote management if you don’t absolutely need it. Additionally, regularly check for firmware updates from your router manufacturer. You could also consider rebooting your router periodically; even though the backdoor is persistent, it’s a good general practice.

This incident is a stark reminder that even the devices connecting us to the internet need our vigilant attention. Keeping your router’s software up to date is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your home network from sophisticated threats like this botnet.

The post ASUS Router Alert: Thousands Hacked to Form Massive Botnet appeared first on Android Headlines.