CVE-2025-13343 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the SourceCodester Interview Management System version 1.0. The vulnerability exists in the /editQuestion.php script, where the 'Question' parameter is improperly sanitized, allowing an attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code. This flaw enables remote attackers to craft URLs or input that, when visited or processed by a victim user, execute arbitrary scripts within the victim’s browser context. The vulnerability does not require authentication but does require user interaction, such as clicking a malicious link or viewing a manipulated page. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:L), and user interaction required (UI:P). The impact on confidentiality and integrity is low, but the vulnerability can lead to session hijacking, theft of cookies, or execution of unauthorized actions on behalf of the user. Although no known exploits are currently active in the wild, proof-of-concept code has been publicly released, increasing the likelihood of exploitation attempts. The lack of patches or official fixes at the time of publication means organizations must implement mitigations manually. The vulnerability primarily affects organizations using this specific version of the Interview Management System, which is typically deployed in HR and recruitment environments. The attack surface includes any web-facing instance of the affected software, making it accessible to remote attackers. The vulnerability’s exploitation could lead to data leakage, unauthorized access, and potential compliance violations, especially under GDPR regulations in Europe.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses risks primarily to confidentiality and integrity of user sessions and data within the Interview Management System. Attackers could steal session cookies or credentials, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive recruitment data, including candidate information and interview records. This could result in reputational damage, loss of trust, and potential legal consequences under GDPR due to exposure of personal data. The availability impact is minimal, as the vulnerability does not directly enable denial of service. However, successful exploitation could facilitate further attacks or lateral movement within the organization’s network. Organizations heavily reliant on this software for recruitment processes may experience operational disruptions if the vulnerability is exploited. Additionally, the public release of exploit code increases the risk of opportunistic attacks, especially against organizations with limited security monitoring or outdated software. The medium severity rating suggests that while the threat is not critical, it should be addressed promptly to avoid escalation or chaining with other vulnerabilities.

1. Implement strict input validation and output encoding on the 'Question' parameter within /editQuestion.php to neutralize malicious scripts. 2. Apply Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts in the browser. 3. Restrict access to the Interview Management System to trusted internal networks or VPNs to reduce exposure. 4. Monitor web server and application logs for unusual requests targeting /editQuestion.php or suspicious query parameters. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risks of clicking unknown or suspicious links related to the recruitment system. 6. If possible, upgrade to a patched version of the software once available or apply vendor-provided patches promptly. 7. Employ web application firewalls (WAF) with rules to detect and block XSS payloads targeting this parameter. 8. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration tests focusing on web application input handling. 9. Review and enforce least privilege principles for users managing the Interview Management System. 10. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential breaches.