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DrayTek routers: why are they being disconnected?

24th March 2025

Multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have reported issues with DrayTek routers*: however, what was first reported to be an error caused by an existing firmware vulnerability may be the result of a cyber-attack.

DrayTek have been manufacturing network devices since 1997, with many ISPs choosing their products for their reliability and ease of use. Evidently, this reputation for reliable service may be changing, as this is the third issue in recent months that DrayTek have had.

Starting late on Saturday 22nd March 2025, ISPs including ICUK*2 and Andrews & Arnold (A&A)*3 reported an unusual increase in internet disconnections from those using DrayTek routers. Users would be disconnected from the session, then reconnected, then dropped again.

This problem has continued over the weekend, up to time of writing Monday 24th March 2025, with a report coming from Vietnam that DrayTek routers are being impacted by attacks that harness previously reported critical security vulnerabilities. Ultimately, we won’t know for sure until DrayTek release a statement.

In the meantime, what can you do if you use DrayTek routers? A&A, who stated that the problem “seems to be triggered by some sort of ‘attack’ against DrayTek routers which have vulnerable software,” proposed a few possible solutions*4 that many people online report as working:

1.      Updating software should resolve the problem – ensure your software is as up-to-date as possible.

2.      If that doesn’t work, ensure remote access to the router is disable, as well as any VPN service.

An update from DrayTek*5 suggests the same, but still haven’t offered a concrete reason as to why this error is occurring. Hopefully by taking those steps you’ll be able to circumvent this issue and get back online – if there are any changes or updates, we’ll let you know.

Additionally, if you’re in this frustrating situation, you may want to consider talking to Interfuture Security HERE about avoiding similar issues in the future.

***UPDATE - 24/03/25 15:30***

DrayTek have released a response with some tips on how to solve the issue, as detailed by ISPreview*:

DrayTek Statement

We have received reports of DrayTek routers disconnecting unexpectedly.

If you are experiencing this issue, please follow the steps below to troubleshoot:

  1. Disconnect the WAN cable.

  2. Log into the router’s Web UI and check the system uptime. If the uptime is lower than the last known reboot, this indicates the router recently restarted.

  3. Disable Remote Management by going to [System Maintenance] > [Remote Management].

  4. Disable SSL VPN Service by going to [VPN and Remote Access] > [Remote Access Control].

  5. Reboot the router and reconnect the WAN cable.

  6. Monitor the connection to see if the WAN remains stable.

Firmware check and update:

  • Verify your router’s firmware version. If it is outdated, update it to the latest version.

  • Before updating, note your current firmware version. If you do not have a copy of the current firmware, download it first.

  • Take a configuration backup to avoid losing your settings.

If your WAN connection is stable:

  • Even if your device is not disconnecting, it is good practice to ensure you are on the latest firmware.

  • If your router is already on recent firmware and the newest version is not marked as Critical, an update may not be urgent but is still recommended for optimal performance and security.

Notably, the statement doesn't include any details as to why this error is occurring.

*https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2025/03/broadband-isps-report-uk-connectivity-problems-with-vulnerable-draytek-routers.html

*2https://www.icuk.net/

*3https://www.aa.net.uk/

*4https://aastatus.net/42755

*5https://faq.draytek.com.au/docs/draytek-routers-rebooting-how-to-solve-this-issue/

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