CVE-2025-23175 is a medium-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-79, which pertains to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, commonly known as Cross-site Scripting (XSS). This vulnerability affects Tecnick's TCExam product, specifically version 16.3.2. TCExam is an open-source, web-based application used for managing and conducting exams and assessments. The vulnerability arises due to insufficient sanitization or encoding of user-supplied input before it is included in dynamically generated web pages. This flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. Exploitation of this vulnerability could enable attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, defacement, redirection to malicious sites, or theft of sensitive information such as authentication tokens or personal data. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the presence of multiple XSS issues indicates several input vectors where malicious payloads could be injected. The lack of available patches at the time of publication suggests that affected organizations need to implement interim mitigations to reduce risk. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction beyond viewing a crafted page, increasing its potential impact. Given the nature of TCExam as an examination platform, exploitation could undermine the integrity and confidentiality of exam data and user credentials, impacting educational institutions and certification bodies relying on this software.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions, certification authorities, and training providers using TCExam 16.3.2, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of exam content and user data. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to steal session cookies or credentials, enabling unauthorized access to exam management interfaces or personal information of students and staff. This could lead to exam manipulation, unauthorized disclosure of exam questions or results, and reputational damage. The availability of the service might also be indirectly affected if administrators take systems offline to investigate or remediate incidents. Given the widespread adoption of TCExam in academic and professional certification contexts across Europe, the vulnerability could disrupt critical educational processes. Furthermore, the exploitation of XSS vulnerabilities can serve as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks, including phishing campaigns targeting users of the platform. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as proof-of-concept exploits may emerge rapidly after disclosure.

1. Immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding: Organizations should review and harden all user input handling in TCExam, ensuring that inputs are properly sanitized and encoded before rendering in the browser. 2. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP): Deploy strict CSP headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts and reduce the impact of potential XSS payloads. 3. Isolate TCExam instances: Run the application in a segregated network segment with limited access to sensitive backend systems to contain potential breaches. 4. Monitor and log web application activity: Enable detailed logging and monitor for suspicious input patterns or unusual user behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. Educate users: Inform users about the risks of clicking on untrusted links or submitting unexpected input. 6. Apply vendor patches promptly: Although no patches are currently available, organizations should maintain close communication with Tecnick for updates and apply fixes immediately upon release. 7. Use web application firewalls (WAFs): Configure WAFs to detect and block common XSS attack patterns targeting TCExam endpoints. 8. Regularly update and audit the application: Conduct periodic security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively.