The user interface in ME-1.03 received subtle but important tweaks:
| User Scenario | Recommendation | |----------------|----------------| | Home user with ADSL | Replace router – any modern VDSL/fiber router with WPA3 and IPv6. | | Tech enthusiast | Flash OpenWrt (if HW ver allows) for basic routing only – DSL modem must be bridged. | | Business use | Immediate decommission – security risks are unacceptable. | | Testing/Lab | Keep on isolated network with no internet access. |
By version 1.03, D-Link addressed some of the early vulnerabilities, including: dsl-2740u firmware version me-1.03
The primary selling point of the ME-1.03 update is improved DSL stability.
If you encounter issues with firmware ME-1.03 or during an update: The user interface in ME-1
| Issue | Severity | Details | |-------|----------|---------| | Hard-coded credentials | Critical | Known backdoor admin accounts in older D-Link firmware | | Unauthenticated remote command injection | Critical | CVE-2019–16981, CVE-2019–17507 – allows full router takeover | | Plaintext password exposure | High | Admin password transmitted via HTTP (no HTTPS by default) | | Outdated OpenSSL/SSL | High | No TLS 1.2+ support; vulnerable to Heartbleed, POODLE | | No WPA3 support | Medium | Only WPA2 with known KRACK vulnerability | | Telnet enabled by default | Medium | Allows local network sniffing/manipulation |
The primary improvement in ME-1.03 is the optimization of the Broadcom BCM6338 chipset’s DSP (Digital Signal Processor) drivers. Users report: | | Testing/Lab | Keep on isolated network
✅ Rock-solid ADSL sync – On a clean copper line, it holds sync for weeks. SNR and line stats are accurately reported.
✅ Bridge mode works perfectly – If you disable routing and use a separate modern router (e.g., Asus, TP-Link), the DSL-2740U becomes a stable modem.
✅ Low memory usage – Runs on 32 MB RAM; leaves ~10 MB free even with 4 Wi-Fi clients.
✅ Simple QoS – Basic 802.1p priority queues work for VoIP (SIP).