CVE-2025-6982 is a vulnerability identified in TP-Link System Inc.'s Archer C50 router models V3 (up to firmware version 180703), V4 (up to 250117), and V5 (up to 200407). The issue stems from the use of hard-coded credentials embedded within the device firmware, classified under CWE-798. These hard-coded credentials allow an attacker with network access and low privileges to decrypt the router's configuration file (config.xml). This file typically contains sensitive information such as network settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and potentially other administrative credentials. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network (attack vector: adjacent network), does not require user interaction, and does not require elevated privileges beyond low-level access. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.9 (medium severity), reflecting that while the attack complexity is low, the attacker must have some level of access to the network segment. The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality, integrity, or availability beyond the exposure of configuration data (VC:H), and does not affect integrity or availability directly. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The presence of hard-coded credentials is a critical design flaw that can facilitate unauthorized access to sensitive router configuration data, potentially leading to further compromise of the network if exploited.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and home office environments using TP-Link Archer C50 routers, which are popular due to their affordability and performance. Exposure of configuration files can lead to leakage of Wi-Fi passwords and administrative credentials, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized network access, intercept or manipulate traffic, and potentially pivot to other internal systems. This risk is heightened in environments where network segmentation is weak or where these routers are used as primary gateways without additional security controls. Confidentiality is the main concern, as sensitive data can be extracted, but integrity and availability impacts are limited unless further exploitation occurs. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in targeted attacks against organizations relying on these devices, especially in sectors with less mature cybersecurity postures. Given the medium severity and the requirement for network adjacency, the threat is more significant in environments with open or poorly secured local networks.

Organizations should first identify if they are using affected TP-Link Archer C50 router versions (V3, V4, V5) with firmware versions at or below those specified. Since no official patches are currently available, immediate mitigation steps include: 1) Restricting network access to the router's management interfaces by implementing strict firewall rules and network segmentation to limit access only to trusted administrators. 2) Changing default and hard-coded credentials where possible, or replacing the device if credentials cannot be altered. 3) Monitoring network traffic for unusual access patterns or attempts to retrieve configuration files. 4) Employing VPNs or secure management channels to protect router administration. 5) Planning for firmware updates or device replacement once patches become available. 6) Educating users about the risks of using default or hard-coded credentials and encouraging best practices in device management. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on network-level controls and operational procedures tailored to this vulnerability's characteristics.