16-Year-Old Flaw Threatens Wi-Fi Devices
A security researcher has uncovered an old vulnerability in the Wi-Fi software produced by Qualcomm, which threatens millions of wireless routers worldwide. The flaw, known as "WPSplinter," allows attackers to exploit a weakness in the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) feature, enabling them to run malicious code on routers without needing to know the password. This gives them control over the network and access to connected devices. The exploit has been demonstrated on devices running specific versions from Belgian telecom companies, where one vulnerability was used to extract network passwords. It is estimated that approximately 1.56 million devices in Belgium are vulnerable. Although Qualcomm has been aware of the issue since 2018, patching the flaw has been limited. Updating some older devices is difficult because they rely on hardware and software that cannot be updated, increasing the risk of exploitation globally. Users are advised to disable the WPS function, update their routers, or replace them altogether. However, distributing updates and effectively securing wireless networks remains a significant challenge.
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