Broadcom Vulnerability: These Routers Are Affected — and Here's How to Protect Yourself

TVS News AI redaktionell betreut präsentiert Broadcom-Lücke: Diese Router betrifft sie – und so schützt du dich.

A vulnerability in Broadcom firmware makes certain Wi-Fi chips in affected routers exploitable. According to Xataka, it affects models widely used in Spain from Movistar, O2, Orange, Jazztel and Simyo — devices that remain in many homes.

Security researcher Quentin Kaiser found that an attacker at close range can without authentication gain administrator privileges, execute arbitrary code and thereby copy the Wi-Fi key from RAM. For you, this means: if it affects the model in your home, the Wi-Fi network is technically compromised.

Which Routers Are Affected by the Broadcom Flaw?

According to the researcher, the vulnerability is present in Broadcom equipment installed since 2010. Many older installations have since been replaced with newer devices. Nevertheless, several models remain relevant.

The ZTE F680 v4 was installed by Jazztel, MásMóvil and Yoigo. The Comtrend VG8050 was a router used by Movistar during the early rollout of fiber-optic broadband. The Sagemcom Fast 5656 is known as the Livebox Fibra from Orange, Jazztel and Simyo.

The flaw also affects the MitraStar GPT-2541GNAC and Askey RTF3505VW models, which were deployed as HGUs by Movistar and O2. The list does not replace checking your own device: the decisive factor is which model is actually connected to your line.

What Companies Are Doing Now

Telefónica and Orange confirmed to Xataka that they are working to implement the necessary safeguards. Both companies want to make the required security updates available as soon as possible.

The providers' concrete response therefore depends, among other things, on whether and when an update becomes available for an affected model. Without that update, the underlying vulnerability cannot simply be eliminated through an app toggle or a reset.

What You Should Do Now With an Affected Router

If your model is on the list, treat the Wi-Fi network as no longer trustworthy. Do not use it for sensitive connections until a security update is available.

The providers are already working on safeguards. For further up-to-date information on home networking and security, you can find the relevant overview in the TVS Guides to Digital Life and the TVS Internet Guide.

One important point remains: A conventional restart or changing the Wi-Fi password does not fix the vulnerability in the firmware. As long as the affected device continues to operate without the necessary correction, an attacker nearby can read the network key.