CVE-2025-14738 is an improper authentication vulnerability classified under CWE-287 affecting TP-Link WA850RE Wi-Fi range extenders, specifically versions V2_160527 and V3_160922. The flaw resides in the httpd modules of the device firmware, allowing unauthenticated attackers to download the device's configuration file without any authentication or user interaction. This configuration file likely contains sensitive information such as Wi-Fi credentials, network settings, and possibly administrative passwords or keys. The vulnerability requires an attacker to have adjacent network access (AV:A), meaning they must be on the same local network or connected via Wi-Fi to exploit it. The attack complexity is low (AC:L), and no privileges or user interaction are needed, increasing the risk if an attacker gains local network access. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates high impact on confidentiality (VC:H) but no impact on integrity or availability. No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, and no patches have been published at the time of disclosure. The vulnerability was reserved and published in December 2025, indicating it is a recent discovery. This issue can lead to significant information disclosure, enabling further attacks such as network intrusion or lateral movement if attackers obtain network credentials or device configurations.

For European organizations, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and home office environments that commonly deploy TP-Link WA850RE extenders, this vulnerability poses a confidentiality risk. An attacker with local network access could extract configuration files containing sensitive network credentials, potentially compromising Wi-Fi security and internal network resources. This could lead to unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of connected devices. Given the widespread use of TP-Link devices in Europe due to their affordability and availability, the vulnerability could affect a large number of endpoints. Critical infrastructure or organizations with sensitive data using these devices without proper network segmentation or monitoring could face increased risk. However, the requirement for adjacent network access limits remote exploitation, reducing the threat surface to internal or guest networks. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently lowers immediate risk but does not preclude future exploitation.

1. Network Segmentation: Isolate Wi-Fi extenders and IoT devices on separate VLANs or guest networks to limit attacker access to sensitive network segments. 2. Access Controls: Restrict local network access to trusted users and devices only, using strong Wi-Fi encryption (WPA3 if available) and robust passwords. 3. Monitoring and Logging: Enable detailed logging on network devices and monitor for unusual access patterns or configuration file downloads. 4. Firmware Updates: Regularly check for and apply firmware updates from TP-Link once patches for this vulnerability are released. 5. Disable Unnecessary Services: If possible, disable or restrict access to the httpd management interface on the extenders. 6. Physical Security: Ensure devices are physically secure to prevent direct access. 7. Incident Response: Prepare to respond to potential breaches by having network segmentation and credential rotation plans in place. 8. Vendor Engagement: Engage with TP-Link support channels for updates and mitigation guidance.