Huawei checking claims of flaws in its routers

IDG News Service - Huawei Technologies said on Thursday it was verifying claims that its routers contained critical vulnerabilities, after security researchers disclosed alleged problems last weekend.

"We are aware of the media reports on security vulnerabilities in some small Huawei routers and are verifying these claims," Huawei said in an email. The company added it uses "rigorous security strategies and policies" to protect the networks of its customers, while following industry standards and best practices concerning security.

"Huawei has established a robust response system to address product security gaps and vulnerabilities," the company said. The company is also calling on industry to promptly report all product security risks so that the problems can be addressed and fixed, it said in its email.

The alleged security vulnerabilities were disclosed at the Defcon hackers conference this past Sunday by two security researchers. The vulnerabilities were found in the firmware of Huawei AR18 and AR29 series routers, which once exploited through the flaws, could be taken over via the Internet.

One of the researchers, Felix Lindner the head of security firm Recurity Labs, described the security of the Huawei devices he analyzed as "the worst ever", and said there were bound to be more security flaws with the products.

Huawei is one of the world's largest providers of networking equipment. Its AR18 series router is meant for small and home offices, while the AR29 series routers are designed for carrier networks or small enterprise branches, according to the company's website.