CVE-2025-46632 identifies a cryptographic vulnerability in the web management portal of the Tenda RX2 Pro router, firmware version 16.03.30.14. The issue stems from the reuse of the Initialization Vector (IV) in the encryption process between the client and server communications. IV reuse is a well-known cryptographic flaw categorized under CWE-323, which can significantly weaken the confidentiality of encrypted messages. Specifically, when the same IV is reused with the same encryption key, it can allow an attacker to analyze ciphertext patterns and potentially recover plaintext data or encryption keys. In this case, the vulnerability affects the web management interface, which is typically used by administrators to configure and manage the router. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.5 (medium severity), with an attack vector of network (remote exploitation), low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. The impact primarily affects confidentiality and integrity, with no direct impact on availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers to intercept or decrypt sensitive management traffic, potentially exposing administrative credentials or configuration data. The lack of vendor or product-specific details beyond the Tenda RX2 Pro model limits the scope of affected versions, but the issue is critical for devices running the specified firmware version. The absence of patches at the time of publication indicates that mitigation relies on network-level controls and cautious management practices until an official fix is released.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk, especially for those using Tenda RX2 Pro routers in their network infrastructure. The web management portal is a high-value target because compromising it can lead to unauthorized configuration changes, exposure of network topology, or interception of sensitive data. Confidentiality breaches could expose internal network details or administrative credentials, facilitating further lateral movement or persistent access by attackers. Integrity impacts could allow attackers to manipulate router settings, potentially redirecting traffic or disabling security features. Although availability is not directly affected, the indirect consequences of compromised router configurations could disrupt network operations. Organizations in sectors with stringent data protection requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, may face compliance risks if sensitive data is exposed. The medium severity rating suggests that while exploitation is feasible remotely without authentication or user interaction, the impact is somewhat limited to confidentiality and integrity, not causing full system compromise or denial of service. However, given the strategic role of routers in network security, the vulnerability should be addressed promptly to prevent escalation.

1. Network Segmentation: Isolate the management interface of Tenda RX2 Pro routers on a dedicated, secure management VLAN accessible only to authorized personnel and systems. 2. Access Controls: Restrict access to the web management portal using IP whitelisting, VPN tunnels, or jump hosts to minimize exposure to untrusted networks. 3. Monitoring and Logging: Enable detailed logging of management portal access and monitor for unusual or unauthorized activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. 4. Firmware Updates: Regularly check for official firmware updates or patches from Tenda addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 5. Use of Strong Encryption Alternatives: If possible, configure the router to use alternative secure management protocols (e.g., SSH, SNMPv3) instead of the vulnerable web portal. 6. Temporary Workarounds: If patching is delayed, consider disabling remote management features or restricting management access to wired connections only. 7. Incident Response Preparation: Develop and test incident response plans specific to router compromise scenarios to quickly contain and remediate potential breaches. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on network architecture changes, access restrictions, and proactive monitoring tailored to the specific vulnerability context.