CVE-2024-13062: ASUS Router AiCloud RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-13062 Overview

CVE-2024-13062 is a command injection vulnerability affecting certain ASUS router models running the AiCloud service. The flaw creates an unintended entry point that allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected devices. ASUS published details in the 01/02/2025 ASUS Router AiCloud vulnerability section of its Product Security Advisory. The weakness is categorized under CWE-77, Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command.

Critical Impact
Successful exploitation grants arbitrary command execution on the router, exposing full confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the device and connected network traffic.

Affected Products

ASUS routers with AiCloud enabled (specific models listed in the vendor advisory)
ASUS router firmware versions predating the January 2025 security update
Networks exposing AiCloud services to remote clients

Discovery Timeline

2025-01-02 - CVE-2024-13062 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-13062

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the AiCloud component of affected ASUS routers. AiCloud provides remote file access, media streaming, and cloud synchronization features exposed over the network. An unintended entry point in the service accepts input that is passed to a system command interpreter without proper neutralization.

An attacker with high-privileged credentials on the router can inject shell metacharacters into a vulnerable request. The router then executes attacker-supplied commands with the privileges of the AiCloud process. Because AiCloud typically runs with elevated rights on the embedded operating system, exploitation yields full control over the device.

The attack is reachable over the network, requires no user interaction, and has low attack complexity. Compromised routers can be used to pivot into internal networks, intercept traffic, or deploy persistent botnet payloads such as those observed in prior router-focused campaigns.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements passed to an OS command [CWE-77]. Input received through the exposed AiCloud entry point is concatenated into a command string without sanitization or safe API usage, allowing shell interpretation of attacker-controlled characters.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based against the AiCloud service. An attacker authenticates with valid high-privilege credentials, then submits a crafted request containing shell metacharacters. The router processes the request and executes the injected commands. Refer to the ASUS Product Security Advisory for exact request paths and affected models.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-13062

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected outbound connections from the router management interface to unknown hosts
New or modified processes running under the AiCloud service context
Anomalous configuration changes, including DNS server, port forwarding, or firewall rule modifications
Router logs showing malformed AiCloud requests containing shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &, or backticks

Detection Strategies

Inspect HTTP and HTTPS traffic to router management ports for AiCloud request payloads carrying command separators
Correlate administrator login events with subsequent configuration changes to identify credential misuse
Monitor DNS query patterns from router-connected devices for signs of DNS hijacking following router compromise

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable and forward router syslog data to a central SIEM for retention and analysis
Baseline normal AiCloud usage patterns and alert on deviations in request volume or source geography
Track firmware version and configuration drift across managed router fleets

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-13062

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the ASUS firmware update referenced in the January 2, 2025 security advisory to all affected router models
Disable AiCloud if the feature is not required for business operations
Rotate all administrator credentials on affected routers and enforce strong, unique passwords
Restrict remote administrative access to trusted source IP addresses only

Patch Information

ASUS released firmware updates addressing the vulnerability. Consult the ASUS Product Security Advisory and locate the 01/02/2025 ASUS Router AiCloud vulnerability entry for the list of affected models and required firmware versions. Apply the vendor-supplied firmware promptly on all matching devices.

Workarounds

Disable AiCloud and related remote-access features until the patch can be applied
Block inbound connections to AiCloud service ports at the network perimeter
Place vulnerable routers behind an upstream firewall that restricts access to management services

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# Configuration example - see the ASUS Product Security Advisory for model-specific steps
# https://www.asus.com/content/asus-product-security-advisory/