Hidden functionality (backdoor) in ASUS Live Update - CVE-2025-59374
Published: March 26, 2019 / Updated: December 18, 2025
Vulnerability identifier: #VU18081
CSH Severity: Critical
CVSS v4: 9.3 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N]
CVE-ID: CVE-2025-59374
CWE-ID: CWE-912
Exploitation vector: Remote access
Exploit availability:
The vulnerability is being exploited in the wild
Vulnerability details
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.
Affected software
ASUS Live Update
How to mitigate CVE-2025-59374
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.
External References
- https://securelist.com/operation-shadowhammer/89992/
- https://www.darkreading.com/attacks-breaches/attackers-compromise-asus-software-update-servers-to-distribute-malware/d/d-id/1334244
- https://www.vice.com/en/article/hackers-hijacked-asus-software-updates-to-install-backdoors-on-thousands-of-computers/
- https://www.asus.com/news/hqfgvuyz6uyayje1/