CVE-2025-14194 is a cross-site scripting vulnerability identified in the code-projects Employee Profile Management System version 1.0. The flaw exists in the handling of input parameters per_address, dr_school, and other_school within the /view_personnel.php script. These parameters are not properly sanitized or encoded before being reflected in the web page output, enabling an attacker to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by crafting a malicious URL containing the payload in these parameters and convincing a user to visit it. Upon execution, the injected script runs in the context of the victim's browser session, potentially allowing theft of session cookies, redirection to malicious sites, or execution of unauthorized actions on behalf of the user. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.1 (medium), reflecting that the attack vector is network-based with low attack complexity and no privileges required, but user interaction is necessary. The vulnerability does not affect confidentiality or availability directly but impacts integrity through potential unauthorized actions and user trust. No official patches are currently linked, and no known active exploitation has been reported, though a public exploit is available, increasing the risk of future attacks.

For European organizations, the impact of this XSS vulnerability can be significant, especially for those relying on the affected Employee Profile Management System for HR and personnel data management. Successful exploitation could lead to session hijacking, allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users and access sensitive employee information. This could result in data leakage, unauthorized modifications to personnel records, or further lateral movement within the network. Additionally, attackers could use the vulnerability to deliver malware or conduct phishing attacks by injecting malicious scripts. The reputational damage and regulatory consequences under GDPR for data breaches involving employee data could be severe. Organizations with large employee bases or those in regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, or government are particularly vulnerable to the operational and compliance risks posed by this vulnerability.

Given the absence of an official patch, European organizations should implement immediate compensating controls. First, input validation and output encoding should be enforced on the affected parameters (per_address, dr_school, other_school) to neutralize malicious scripts. Web application firewalls (WAFs) can be configured to detect and block suspicious payloads targeting these parameters. Organizations should also conduct user awareness training to reduce the risk of users clicking on untrusted links. Monitoring web server logs for unusual parameter values and anomalous traffic patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. If possible, restrict access to the /view_personnel.php page to authenticated and authorized users only, reducing exposure. Finally, organizations should engage with the vendor or community to obtain or develop patches and plan for timely updates once available.