Rndis unreported feature of Zyxel WAH7601 Portable Router

igadoter

Hello Im new here.

I just discovered on my Linux that router connected through USB works as rndis device. It can be considered convenient but it is unreported way of use in User Manual. As I understand planned way to use device is as WiFi router with common security protection. As rndis device router does not require security pass. Just connect it to USB port and use. My guess is that Zyxel runs on Linux kernel with rndis support enabled. Which is considered as unsecure.

Bob_C

Hi igadoter,

I think Wi-Fi access requires password protection because Wi-Fi AP broadcasts Wi-Fi signal; anyone who stays nearby and has a Wi-Fi capable device can connect to the AP if the SSID is not password protected. The AP's owner may not even notice that there's an unknown user connected, if the owner does not check the AP's user interface. However, one who wants to access the Internet via USB sharing needs to connect to the USB port, meaning both physical access to the WAH7601 and your permission to connect to the USB port.

Or is there any use case you'd like to share that may pose security risks to USB sharing without password protection?

Regards,

Bob

Bob_C

Hi igadoter,

I think Wi-Fi access requires password protection because Wi-Fi AP broadcasts Wi-Fi signal; anyone who stays nearby and has a Wi-Fi capable device can connect to the AP if the SSID is not password protected. The AP's owner may not even notice that there's an unknown user connected, if the owner does not check the AP's user interface. However, one who wants to access the Internet via USB sharing needs to connect to the USB port, meaning both physical access to the WAH7601 and your permission to connect to the USB port.

Or is there any use case you'd like to share that may pose security risks to USB sharing without password protection?

Regards,

Bob