CVE-2025-4537 is a vulnerability identified in the yangzongzhuan RuoYi-Vue framework versions 3.8.0 through 3.8.9. The issue arises from the cleartext storage of sensitive information within a cookie, specifically linked to the Password Handler component involving the files ruoyi-ui/jsencrypt.js and ruoyi-ui/login.vue. This vulnerability allows an attacker to remotely access sensitive data stored insecurely in cookies, potentially exposing user credentials or session information. The attack complexity is rated as high, indicating that exploitation requires significant effort or specific conditions, and no authentication or privileges are necessary to attempt exploitation. User interaction is required, which may involve tricking a user into performing an action that triggers the vulnerability. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 2.3, reflecting a low severity primarily due to the high attack complexity, lack of privilege requirements, and limited impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits are currently observed in the wild, and no patches have been explicitly linked in the provided data. The vulnerability's root cause is the insecure handling of sensitive data in client-side cookies without encryption or adequate protection, which can be intercepted or accessed by unauthorized parties if the cookie is exposed through network interception or cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for applications using RuoYi-Vue as a front-end framework for user authentication and session management.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability depends on the extent to which RuoYi-Vue is used within their web applications, particularly those handling sensitive user data or authentication processes. If exploited, attackers could gain access to sensitive information stored in cookies, potentially leading to unauthorized access to user accounts or session hijacking. This could result in data breaches, loss of user trust, and regulatory non-compliance under GDPR due to inadequate protection of personal data. However, given the high attack complexity and the requirement for user interaction, the likelihood of widespread exploitation is limited. Organizations operating in sectors with high privacy requirements, such as finance, healthcare, or government services, may face increased risks if this vulnerability is present in their systems. Additionally, the exposure of sensitive information in cookies could facilitate further attacks, such as session fixation or cross-site request forgery (CSRF), compounding the security risks.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should: 1) Immediately audit their use of RuoYi-Vue versions 3.8.0 to 3.8.9 and identify any instances where sensitive information is stored in cookies. 2) Avoid storing sensitive data in client-side cookies; instead, use secure, HttpOnly, and SameSite cookie attributes to reduce exposure. 3) Implement encryption for any sensitive data that must be stored client-side, ensuring it is not stored in cleartext. 4) Review and update the Password Handler component to use secure methods for handling authentication data, potentially replacing or patching the affected ruoyi-ui/jsencrypt.js and ruoyi-ui/login.vue files. 5) Educate users about phishing and social engineering risks to reduce the likelihood of user interaction-based exploitation. 6) Monitor web application logs for suspicious activities related to cookie manipulation or unauthorized access attempts. 7) Engage with the vendor or community to obtain patches or updates addressing this vulnerability as soon as they become available. 8) Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focusing on client-side storage and authentication mechanisms.