If you’ve dropped a pretty penny on a gaming-grade Wi-Fi router from Asus (or just one of its more expensive models), you need to update the firmware right away. That’s according to a security bulletin from Asus itself, which says that older firmware contains critical vulnerabilities. Routers from the Republic of Gamers GT and GS series, the cheaper TUF and RT series, and the ZenWiFi mesh systems are affected.
According to Bleeping Computer, there are two vulnerabilities patched in the latest router firmware, both of which could be used to gain arbitrary code execution. In layman’s terms, it’s possible for attackers to run custom firmware or even small software apps on unpatched routers, leading to all sorts of nasty issues, the most immediate being the ability to remotely monitor your web traffic.
The Asus routers impacted by the issue are as follows:
- GT6
- GT-AXE16000
- GT-AXE11000 PRO
- GT-AXE11000
- GT-AX6000
- GT-AX11000
- GS-AX5400
- GS-AX3000
- ZenWiFi XT9
- ZenWiFi XT8
- ZenWiFi XT8_V2
- RT-AX86U PRO
- RT-AX86U
- RT-AX86S
- RT-AX82U
- RT-AX58U
- RT-AX3000
- TUF-AX6000
- TUF-AX5400
Basically, if your router looks like it could be an alien mothership, you should update the firmware. For pretty much all of them, you can update the firmware via the web-based management interface (which you probably haven’t touched since you set the thing up two years ago). Some models also allow you to update via a Windows and/or phone app. Check the support documentation for your specific model for instructions.
Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer, PCWorld
Michael is a 10-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE. On PCWorld he's the resident keyboard nut, always using a new one for a review and building a new mechanical board or expanding his desktop "battlestation" in his off hours. Michael's previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he's covered events like CES and Mobile World Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he's always looking forward to his next kayaking trip.