CVE-2025-44115 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in Cotonti Siena version 0.9.25. The vulnerability resides in the /admin.php endpoint, specifically when accessing the configuration editing interface via the query parameters m=config, n=edit, o=core, and p=title. The issue arises from improper sanitization or validation of the 'title' parameter, allowing an attacker with at least limited privileges (PR:L) to inject malicious scripts. When a crafted payload is submitted in the 'title' parameter, it can lead to the execution of arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the administrator's browser session. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.4 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requires low attack complexity (AC:L), privileges at the level of a user with some access (PR:L), and user interaction (UI:R) is necessary, with a scope change (S:C). The impact affects confidentiality and integrity to a low degree, with no impact on availability. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79, which is the standard classification for XSS vulnerabilities. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of administrators, or conduct phishing attacks within the administrative interface, potentially leading to further compromise of the web application or its data.

For European organizations using Cotonti Siena v0.9.25, particularly those relying on the administrative interface for site configuration, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to hijack administrator sessions or manipulate configuration settings indirectly, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data leakage. Although the vulnerability requires some level of privilege and user interaction, the impact on confidentiality and integrity could be significant in environments where sensitive data or critical configurations are managed through the affected interface. Given the scope change, an exploited XSS could enable privilege escalation or lateral movement within the application. European organizations in sectors such as government, education, or small to medium enterprises that use Cotonti Siena for content management or intranet portals may be particularly at risk. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often develop exploits after public disclosure.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should first monitor for official patches or updates from the Cotonti Siena development team and apply them promptly once available. In the absence of a patch, administrators should implement strict input validation and output encoding on the 'title' parameter within the /admin.php configuration editing interface to neutralize malicious scripts. Employing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help reduce the impact of XSS by restricting the execution of unauthorized scripts. Additionally, administrators should enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring that only trusted users have access to the affected administrative functions. Regularly auditing user privileges and monitoring administrative logs for suspicious activity can help detect attempted exploitation. Using web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting XSS payloads may provide a temporary protective layer. Finally, educating administrators about the risks of clicking on untrusted links or submitting unverified input can reduce the likelihood of successful user interaction-based attacks.