WA850RE: Improper Authentication
CVE-2025-14738 is a high-severity improper authentication vulnerability in WA850RE from TP-Link, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected WA850RE versions: WA850RE V2_160527 and earlier; WA850RE V3_160922 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.41% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of WA850RE you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on tp-link.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | WA850RE | WA850RE V2_160527 and earlier; WA850RE V3_160922 and earlier | Not stated |
| TP-Link | Tl-wa850re Firmware | 160527 and earlier; 160922 and earlier | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 5.7 | Medium | CNA |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
Improper authentication vulnerability in TP-Link WA850RE (httpd modules) allows unauthenticated attackers to download the configuration file.This issue affects: ≤ WA850RE V2_160527, ≤ WA850RE V3_160922.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in WA850RE
- 8.0 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
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