The ASUS + LG Nightmare Scenario

Summary

Gamers Nexus investigates a newly disclosed ASUS router vulnerability and demonstrates how it could be chained with previously discussed LG smart-TV vulnerabilities.

The researchers estimate that roughly 25–35 million ASUS routers may be affected, but say ASUS had not published a complete list of vulnerable models. The estimate is based on the possibility that most ASUS Wi-Fi 6 and newer routers—roughly those made from 2018 onward—could be affected. It is not a confirmed device count.

Vulnerability and exploit chain

• The ASUS issue combines an authentication bypass with the ability to gain extensive control of a router. In some circumstances, when the router cannot find a recognized device ID, it uses a blank secret. This can allow an attacker to obtain an authentication token.
• A separate command-injection flaw involves an unsanitized router setting. Together, the vulnerabilities can allow an attacker to establish persistent access, including enabling SSH access to the router.
• The demonstrated attack requires access to the target’s local network—such as through an open or guest Wi-Fi network or an exposed Ethernet connection—or access gained by chaining another vulnerability. The video distinguishes this from a separate ASUS router vulnerability discussed the previous year that was associated with botnet activity.
• Once inside the router, an attacker may be able to inspect connected devices and network information, then use the router as a foothold to target other vulnerable devices. The video’s example chains the router compromise with previously discussed LG TV vulnerabilities. In the demonstration, the TV is instructed to record audio using its built-in microphone and send the recordings to a listening server on the local network. The presenters also show how a misleading “update in progress” message could conceal the activity.

Potential consequences discussed include persistent access to a network, surveillance through a compromised TV, and attacks on other devices such as NAS units. The presenters also describe possible risks to businesses and targeted individuals, including journalists. These are potential uses of the vulnerabilities, not evidence that every affected router or TV has been attacked.

ASUS response and setup concerns

The researchers say the vulnerability was reported to ASUS on June 27. ASUS released beta firmware, but the 90-day disclosure period ended without a complete rollout. ASUS requested more time. At the time of the video, some non-beta fixes appeared to be rolling out, but the presenters said they lacked a complete picture of affected models and patch availability.

The video also criticizes ASUS’s setup and privacy flows, including its EULA and app/account-pairing process. The presenters argue that pairing the mobile app with the router can introduce additional privacy and security exposure, and that local setup should be sufficient for most users.

Practical guidance

The video recommends:

• Check for and install the appropriate router firmware update.
• Avoid linking external accounts or pairing a mobile app with the router unless needed. Configure it through the local web interface where possible.
• Change default usernames and passwords, and use strong, non-guessable credentials.
• Protect locally connected devices—such as NAS units and cameras—with strong credentials, even if they are not intended to be accessible from the internet.

Review, guide, or tutorial content

There is no product review or step-by-step public tutorial. The video includes a proof-of-concept demonstration of the router compromise and LG TV exploit chain, framed as security research and testing on the presenters’ own equipment.

Main speakers and sources

• Steve Burke — Gamers Nexus host and primary presenter.
• Patrick — Demonstrates the ASUS router compromise.
• Tanan — Demonstrates the LG TV recording portion of the exploit chain.
• Mr. Bruh — Security researcher who discovered the ASUS vulnerabilities and provided proof-of-concept material.
• Wendell — Referenced for prior work on LG TV vulnerabilities.