Backdoor in Asus Live Update

1) Hidden functionality (backdoor)

EUVDB-ID: #VU18081

Risk: Critical

CVSSv3.1: 9.4 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:H/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: N/A

CWE-ID: CWE-912 - Hidden Functionality (Backdoor)

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to compromise vulnerable system

The vulnerability exists due to hidden functionality (backdoor) is present in software. A remote attacker can use this functionality to gain full access to the application and compromise the affected system.

Note: this backdoor was implented as a result of ASUS servers compromise within the APT attack dubbed “Operation ShadowHammer”. The campaign ran from June to at least November 2018.

Mitigation

Install a new version of Asus Live Update from vendor's website and use antivirus software to detect and remove potential malware from your computers.

Vulnerable software versions

ASUS Live Update: All versions

External links

http://securelist.com/operation-shadowhammer/89992/
http://www.darkreading.com/attacks-breaches/attackers-compromise-asus-software-update-servers-to-di...
http://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/pan9wn/hackers-hijacked-asus-software-updates-to-install-...

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.