SB2019032602 - Backdoor in Asus Live Update
Published: March 26, 2019 Updated: December 18, 2025
Security Bulletin ID
SB2019032602
Severity
Critical
Patch available
YES
Number of vulnerabilities
1
Exploitation vector
Remote access
Highest impact
Code execution
Breakdown by Severity
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Critical
Description
This security bulletin contains information about 1 security vulnerability.
1) Hidden functionality (backdoor) (CVE-ID: CVE-2025-59374)
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.
Remediation
Install update from vendor's website.
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/