**Active RCE Exploits Target Legacy D-Link DSL Routers**
**Why Legacy Devices Still Pose a Risk in 2026**
Can a ten-year-old modem still be a threat to your organization? Unfortunately, yes—and it’s not just theoretical. According to a recent report from The Hacker News (https://thehackernews.com/2026/01/active-exploitation-hits-legacy-d-link.html), legacy D-Link DSL routers are currently being exploited in the wild using remote code execution (RCE) flaws. These attacks aren’t limited to academic proofs or isolated experiments—they’re real, active, and increasingly common.
The problem these devices introduce is twofold: first, most are no longer supported by manufacturers, meaning no patches are coming. Second, they often lurk in the corners of small office networks or remote locations—easily forgotten, yet still connected. This makes them ideal entry points for attackers seeking to pivot deeper into corporate infrastructure.
In this post, we’ll break down what’s happening with these active RCE exploits, why legacy hardware like D-Link DSL routers remains a weak point, and what actionable steps you can take to defend against threats hiding in plain sight. As CISOs or IT decision-makers, it’s essential we don’t overlook these untracked, unpatched devices in our security strategies.
**How Do These Active RCE Attacks Work?**
Remote Code Execution (RCE) is one of the most dangerous types of vulnerabilities, allowing an attacker to run arbitrary code on a device—often with full administrative access. The recent wave of attacks targeting D-Link DSL routers exploits a stack of older flaws, primarily in the device’s firmware.
According to the reporting by The Hacker News, attackers are scanning the internet for specific vulnerable models—including DSL-2640B, DSL-2740R, and DSL-2780. Once a device is identified, exploitation scripts are deployed to inject commands directly via poorly secured web management interfaces. These don’t require valid credentials in some cases. In others, attackers use hardcoded credentials or bypasses derived from the original firmware.
What makes this particularly alarming:
– These vulnerabilities affect end-of-life hardware, meaning D-Link has ceased updates and will not offer official patches.
– Exploits are low-effort and high-impact, often using automation to compromise hundreds of devices rapidly.
– Cybercriminals use these compromised routers as staging points, launching broader attacks like phishing or malware delivery within corporate networks.
One notable twist: attackers are integrating these exploits with known botnets, such as Moobot and Mirai variants, enabling long-term persistence and distributed control.
**Why Legacy Devices Are Still Inside Your Perimeter**
You might assume that modern organizations have aged-out old DSL routers…but that assumption is risky. Many enterprises, especially those with remote branches, still use outdated network hardware for functions like:
– Out-of-band access or remote site connectivity
– Legacy voice-over-IP (VoIP) systems
– Secondary failover internet connections
Whether it’s used as a backup device in a server closet or still routing traffic for low-priority departments, these routers often fly under most asset management systems’ radars.
Consider this finding: In a 2025 survey by the Ponemon Institute, 58% of IT leaders admitted that they lacked complete visibility over all IoT and legacy devices connected to their networks. That lack of visibility is gold for attackers and a ticking time bomb for defenders.
These devices often:
– Lack basic protections like rate limiting or input validation
– Are exposed to the public internet via static IP assignments or UPnP misconfigurations
– Rely on default credentials that remained unchanged for years
Even if you’ve modernized your core infrastructure, chances are some older equipment remains silently connected—and vulnerable.
**Taking Strategic, Actionable Steps to Defend**
As a CISO or IT leader, eliminating the threat from legacy D-Link DSL routers (and devices like them) doesn’t require panic—but it does require urgency. Here are five key steps you can take right now:
1. **Audit and Inventory Everything**
– Launch a full infrastructure scan to identify unsupported or EOL networking hardware.
– Use tools like Nmap or Shodan queries to identify exposed interfaces from legacy devices.
– Filter traffic analysis logs for unusual outbound connections from known router IPs.
2. **Segment and Isolate**
– Immediately remove these routers from direct internet exposure.
– Place suspect or unavoidable legacy devices in segmented VLANs with strict access controls.
– Block outbound traffic unless absolutely required—especially to unknown or unusual domains.
3. **Replace or Retire**
– Develop a phase-out plan for all unsupported networking devices—not just D-Link.
– Prioritize devices without any available firmware updates or vendor documentation.
– Consider investing in low-cost, modern alternatives with automatic patching features.
4. **Monitor for Signs of Compromise**
– Watch for DNS hijacking, unusual configuration changes, or unexplained reboots.
– Add known IOC (Indicators of Compromise) from this campaign—including IP ranges and exploit fingerprints—to your threat intelligence feeds.
5. **Educate Stakeholders**
– Train your IT staff to identify legacy devices and escalate them appropriately.
– Loop in procurement to ensure no additional legacy equipment is purchased.
– Include network asset checks in your regular compliance and audit reviews.
By focusing on visibility, segmentation, and gradual eradication of legacy hardware, you can turn a scattered problem into an organized response.
**Conclusion: Don’t Let Yesterday’s Tech Undermine Today’s Security**
The wave of active RCE exploits hitting legacy D-Link DSL routers is more than just another CVE report—it’s a reminder that old, forgotten tech can still open new doors for attackers. And it’s not just about D-Link. The bigger picture is that any unsupported network-connected device could be silently paving a path into your infrastructure.
We know that managing third-party risk, patch fatigue, and shadow IT are already tall orders. But this is an area where focused attention can yield outsized results. Start by knowing what’s on your network and then follow through with structured, enforceable retirement and monitoring plans.
The challenges of 2026 demand more than reactive security—they require proactive hygiene rooted in visibility and action.
If you’re unsure where to start—or want a second set of eyes on your infrastructure exposure—consider conducting a legacy device audit in the next 30 days. Sometimes the most treacherous vulnerabilities are the ones we forgot we had.
For the latest details on this active threat, visit: https://thehackernews.com/2026/01/active-exploitation-hits-legacy-d-link.html.
Stay sharp, stay secure.
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