Chinese Routers Sold Worldwide Contain Backdoors

Manufacturer-built backdoor implants were found in ZBT white-label routers sold worldwide, exposing affected devices to potential unauthorized access.

An untold number of ZBT routers distributed globally as white-label products contain multiple backdoor implants built into the devices by the manufacturer. The implants are pre-installed through the hardware and firmware supply chain rather than injected by attackers after deployment. The scale of affected deployments and whether the implants have been actively abused have not been disclosed.

• ZBT-branded white-label routers shipped worldwide contain multiple manufacturer-installed backdoor implants
• Implants were built in by the manufacturer, not introduced post-sale
• Scope of affected devices and active abuse remain undisclosed
• Organizations using white-label routers should inventory and assess exposed devices