Frimware Broke Router - 2.4ghz now showing channels 1 - 14; both wifi 5 showing 36 - 165. Help!

[Mitt]

Reset Button, WPS reset method, GUI reset - nothing is fixing my router anymore.
Since upgrading to the new merlin, my wifi is no longer showing 2.4, 5_1, 5_2, im stuck and unsure what do to anymore.

I think the frimware broke the router somehow, as the 5_2 is now showing 160mhz in settings, the 2.4ghz band is showing 1 to channel 14, which is totally illegal.
It only allowed 1-11, and now its totally messed up.

Seeking assistance.

Also both wifi 5.0 5_1 and 5_2 have access to ALL channels (36 - 165)

Need help, sos!

 

[bennor]

It would likely be helpful if you list your router model and firmware you were updating to.
If you haven't done so already, try doing a hard factory reset as a troubleshooting step, after a hard factory reset; manually configure the router. Do not import a saved router CFG file.
Another troubleshooting step is to flash Asus stock firmware and see if the issue persists.

It is also possible, if you had AiCloud enabled you got hit by the malware that has caused various issues some of them involving WiFi settings being erase. Some who have been affected by the malware have indicated flashing Asus stock firmware fixed their issue.

Malware damaging ASUS routers?

This malware damaging Asus routers has to be described in a sticky thread with a warning sign! Update: Asus is releasing patched firmware for multiple models. Check for firmware updates! The changelog for most firmware releases contains the following: 1. Strengthened input validation and data...

www.snbforums.com

 

[Tech9]

I think the frimware broke the router somehow

More like attempted to fix damages done by malware wiping original configuration. Use whatever channels are legal in your country.

 

[Mitt]

This is an AX11000 using latest asus and merlin, same results regardless.
I did have AiCloud on and this sounds exactly what happened.

Is there a special method to flash the old firmware; ive already rolled back 3 versions of stock asus and it still is doing the same thing for me.
Is my whole network infected?
Is there anyway to recover this?
Is asus providing support/replacements for their lack of security?

 

[Tech9]

Is there a special method to flash the old firmware

Flashing different firmware won't change the situation above. The router's configuration was wiped. Is your router's Wi-Fi dead or just the settings become "unlocked" for every region?

 

[Mitt]

Both, i did a factory reset last night as the wifi was 100-200 range for all bands, when it came back everything is screwed.
Reflash did nothing.

The wifi isnt showing, it appears for a short while, besides 1 band 5_1 sometimes will show 1 bar, and 2.4ghz cannot be connected to, and it shows randomly.
Factory wiping the asus it doesnt even produce the open wifi bands to configure it, only via ethernet.

 

[Ripshod]

Look in the router's wireless log to see if the MACs are zeroed out.

 

[Tech9]

The wifi isnt showing

In this case your router is damaged and it happened on the firmware you were running before. Factory reset after flashing any other firmware led to the situation you see now. There is no firmware flashing fix.

 

[Mitt]

Look in the router's wireless log to see if the MACs are zeroed out.

Macs are zeroed for the lan network map area.

 

[Mitt]

In this case your router is damaged and it happened on the firmware you were running before. Factory reset after flashing any other firmware led to the situation you see now. There is no firmware flashing fix.

It was behaving like this before any reset though, when i updated to the latest asus frimware all of these issues appeared.
Was forced to reset previously due to this.

Why did this occur? Was it malware?

 

[Tech9]

Macs are zeroed for the lan network map area.

Yes, another sign of wiped configuration after malware.

 

[Ripshod]

Bingo. Only person that can help is @ColinTaylor

 

[Ripshod]

I had zeroed MACs well before this malware - highly possible not related.

 

[Mitt]

Is Asus doing anything for customers?

Wont be buying asus routers again due to this situation, AiCloud malware bricked my routers.

 

[Ripshod]

Is Asus doing anything for customers?

Wont be buying asus routers again due to this situation, AiCloud malware bricked my routers.

If your router(s) is(are) within warranty then yes, it's possible they'll RMA it(them).

 

[Tech9]

Is Asus doing anything for customers?

Call Asus Support and find out.

 

[Mitt]

Out of warranty by one year, I'll call and see.

 

[Mitt]

"I see it seems that your unit is already out of warranty but we will try to get this reported to our technician if he could find a way to get this resolved."
I emailed the office of the president and see what they'll say.

 

[Tech9]

Crap company. I emailed the office of the president and see what they'll say.

Why don't you wait for a reply first? If they offer you free repair after the warranty period - still crap company?

 

[Mitt]

Crazy to be even dealing with this, AiCloud malware is wild to be bricking routers.

Im not holding my breath they'll do anything but i'll report back.