CVE-2024-36656 is a reflected Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in MintHCM version 4.0.3, a human capital management software platform. The flaw arises because the application fails to properly sanitize or encode user-supplied input before reflecting it back in web responses. This allows a registered user—without elevated privileges—to inject arbitrary JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers when they interact with crafted URLs or inputs. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, which covers improper neutralization of input leading to XSS. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.1, reflecting that the attack vector is network-based (remote), requires low attack complexity, no privileges, but does require user interaction (clicking a malicious link). The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability affects components beyond the initially vulnerable component, potentially impacting user confidentiality and integrity. The vulnerability does not affect availability. No patches or mitigations have been officially released at the time of publication (June 14, 2024), and no known exploits have been observed in the wild. The vulnerability could be exploited to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of users, or deliver further malicious payloads, compromising user data and trust in the application.

The primary impact of this vulnerability is on the confidentiality and integrity of user data within MintHCM environments. Attackers can execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of other users, potentially stealing session tokens, personal information, or manipulating user interface elements to perform unauthorized actions. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive HR data, including employee records, payroll information, and internal communications. While availability is not directly affected, the reputational damage and potential regulatory consequences from data breaches could be significant. Organizations relying on MintHCM 4.0.3, especially those with large user bases or handling sensitive employee data, face increased risk of targeted phishing campaigns leveraging this vulnerability. The requirement for user interaction limits automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk, as social engineering can be used to induce clicks. The lack of an official patch increases exposure time, making timely mitigation critical.

Organizations should immediately review and restrict user input fields that reflect data back to users, implementing strict input validation and output encoding to neutralize malicious scripts. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers. Educate users about the risks of clicking untrusted links, especially within internal communications. Monitor web application logs for suspicious URL patterns or repeated attempts to inject scripts. If possible, restrict registration or input privileges to trusted users only until a patch is available. Engage with MintHCM vendors or support channels to obtain or request security updates. Consider deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block reflected XSS payloads targeting MintHCM endpoints. Regularly update and audit all third-party components integrated with MintHCM to reduce attack surface. Finally, prepare incident response plans to quickly address any exploitation attempts.