CVE-2025-11485 identifies a Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in SourceCodester Student Grades Management System version 1.0. The vulnerability resides in the add_user function of the /admin.php file, specifically within the Manage Users Page component. The issue arises from improper sanitization of the first_name and last_name parameters, which are user-controllable inputs. An attacker can remotely supply malicious JavaScript code through these parameters, which the system then reflects or stores without adequate encoding or filtering. This enables execution of arbitrary scripts in the context of an authenticated administrator's browser session. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates the attack requires network access (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:H means high privileges required, but this conflicts with the vector—likely a data inconsistency; assuming high privileges required), user interaction (UI:P), no confidentiality or availability impact, and low integrity impact. The vulnerability does not affect confidentiality or availability but can compromise integrity by enabling script injection that may alter displayed data or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of the admin user. The exploit is remotely executable but requires the attacker to have or gain administrative access to the system, limiting the attack surface. No patches or fixes have been linked yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild, though public disclosure increases risk. The vulnerability is typical of reflected or stored XSS issues common in web applications lacking proper input validation and output encoding, especially in administrative interfaces.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions using SourceCodester Student Grades Management System 1.0, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized script execution within administrative sessions. This may result in session hijacking, unauthorized changes to user data, defacement of administrative interfaces, or redirection to malicious sites. Although the impact on confidentiality and availability is limited, the integrity of student records and administrative data could be compromised, undermining trust and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR. The requirement for administrative privileges to exploit reduces the likelihood of widespread attacks but raises concerns about insider threats or compromised admin accounts. Additionally, the public disclosure of the vulnerability increases the risk of targeted attacks against vulnerable installations. Disruption or manipulation of student grade data could have reputational and operational consequences for affected institutions.

Organizations should immediately review and restrict administrative access to the Student Grades Management System, ensuring that only trusted personnel have high-level privileges. Implement strict input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data, especially the first_name and last_name fields in the add_user function. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts in the browser. Monitor administrative logs for unusual activity that may indicate exploitation attempts. If possible, isolate the management system within a secure network segment to reduce exposure. Since no official patch is currently available, consider applying custom code fixes to sanitize inputs or temporarily disable vulnerable functionality. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on web application vulnerabilities. Educate administrators about phishing and social engineering risks that could lead to compromised credentials. Finally, track vendor communications for forthcoming patches or updates addressing this vulnerability.