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OSINT - 200+ hosts attempting Linksys RCE exploits

Low
Published: Sun May 19 2019 (05/19/2019, 00:00:00 UTC)
Source: CIRCL
Vendor/Project: type
Product: osint

Description

OSINT - 200+ hosts attempting Linksys RCE exploits

AI-Powered Analysis

AILast updated: 07/02/2025, 09:56:55 UTC

Technical Analysis

This threat intelligence report highlights an ongoing activity involving over 200 hosts attempting remote code execution (RCE) exploits targeting Linksys devices. The information originates from CIRCL and is categorized as OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) with a botnet association, specifically linked to the Mirai botnet family. The attempts to exploit Linksys routers suggest that attackers are scanning and trying to leverage known vulnerabilities in these devices to gain unauthorized remote control. Although no specific affected versions or CVEs are listed, the nature of RCE exploits on network devices like routers is critical because successful exploitation can lead to full device compromise, enabling attackers to manipulate network traffic, deploy malware, or use the device as part of a larger botnet. The threat level is rated low with a certainty of 50%, indicating moderate confidence in the data and a relatively low immediate risk. No known exploits in the wild are confirmed, and no patches or mitigation links are provided, which may reflect either the age of the vulnerabilities or limited public disclosure. The association with Mirai botnet activity suggests that compromised devices could be recruited into large-scale distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks or other malicious campaigns. The technical details show a moderate threat level and analysis score, reinforcing the need for vigilance but indicating no immediate widespread crisis.

Potential Impact

For European organizations, the impact of this threat could vary depending on their use of Linksys network devices. Compromised routers can lead to significant confidentiality breaches, as attackers may intercept or redirect traffic, potentially exposing sensitive data. Integrity of network communications can also be undermined, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads or manipulate data flows. Availability may be affected if devices are conscripted into botnets, leading to degraded network performance or participation in DDoS attacks that could affect the organization's external services. While the threat level is currently low and exploitation attempts are not confirmed to be widespread, organizations relying on vulnerable Linksys devices should be aware of the potential for targeted attacks, especially in sectors with high-value data or critical infrastructure. The botnet linkage also raises concerns about the broader ecosystem impact, as infected devices can contribute to global cybercrime operations, indirectly affecting European entities through collateral damage or retaliatory attacks.

Mitigation Recommendations

European organizations should conduct thorough inventories of their network infrastructure to identify any Linksys devices in use. Given the absence of specific patch information, organizations should: 1) Ensure all devices are running the latest firmware available from Linksys, as vendors often release security updates addressing RCE vulnerabilities. 2) Disable remote management features unless absolutely necessary, and restrict access to trusted IP addresses. 3) Implement network segmentation to isolate IoT and network devices from critical systems. 4) Monitor network traffic for unusual scanning or exploit attempts, using IDS/IPS solutions tuned to detect Mirai-related signatures and RCE exploit patterns. 5) Employ strong authentication mechanisms and change default credentials on all devices. 6) Consider replacing outdated or unsupported Linksys devices with models that receive regular security updates. 7) Collaborate with cybersecurity information sharing groups to stay informed about emerging threats targeting network devices. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on device-specific controls, network architecture adjustments, and proactive monitoring tailored to the nature of this threat.

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Technical Details

Threat Level
3
Analysis
2
Original Timestamp
1558275208

Threat ID: 682acdbebbaf20d303f0bfd9

Added to database: 5/19/2025, 6:20:46 AM

Last enriched: 7/2/2025, 9:56:55 AM

Last updated: 8/12/2025, 5:10:32 PM

Views: 8

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