Zyxel Firewall Devices Vulnerable to Remote Code Execution Attacks — Patch Now

A buffer overflow vulnerability in the library of the web server in Zyxel NR7101 firmware prior to V1.15(ACCC.3)C0, which could allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute some OS commands or to cause denial-of-service (DoS) conditions on a vulnerable device.

A post-authentication command injection vulnerability in the “account_operator.cgi” CGI program of Zyxel USG FLEX series firmware versions 4.50 through 5.35, and VPN series firmware versions 4.30 through 5.35, which could allow a remote authenticated attacker to modify device configuration data, resulting in denial-of-service (DoS) conditions on an affected device.

The post-authentication command injection vulnerability in the CLI command of Zyxel ATP series firmware versions 4.32 through 5.35, USG FLEX series firmware versions 4.50 through 5.35, USG FLEX 50(W) firmware versions 4.16 through 5.35, USG20(W)-VPN firmware versions 4.16 through 5.35, and VPN series firmware versions 4.30 through 5.35, which could allow an authenticated attacker to execute some OS commands remotely.

CVE-2023-28771 is an unauthenticated OS command injection flaw (CWE-78) in Zyxel firewall firmware, caused by improper error message handling in the IKE packet decoder. A remote attacker triggers it by sending crafted packets to an affected device, with no credentials or user interaction required (CVSS 3.1: 9.8, network vector, low complexity). Successful exploitation lets the attacker execute operating-system commands on the firewall, which typically means full device compromise of these perimeter/VPN gateway appliances. Organizations running Zyxel ZyWALL/USG, VPN, USG FLEX, or ATP series firewalls on the affected firmware ranges are exposed, especially where IKE/VPN traffic is reachable from the internet. Exploitation is confirmed in the wild: the flaw was added to CISA's KEV on 2023-05-31, carries a 99.3% EPSS score (100th percentile), is reportedly used by DDoS botnets, and was reportedly exploited in the May 2023 coordinated attacks against nearly two dozen Danish energy companies.

Do: Apply Zyxel's patched firmware to all affected devices per the vendor advisory - releases newer than 4.73 for ZyWALL/USG and newer than 5.35 for ATP, USG FLEX, and VPN series - prioritizing internet-facing and VPN gateway appliances, as this is a KEV required-action vulnerability. Where immediate patching is not possible, restrict IKE traffic (UDP 500/4500) to trusted peers or disable unneeded IPsec VPN termination. After patching, review device logs and configurations for signs of command execution or unexpected changes, given confirmed botnet and targeted-attack use.