CVE-2025-46917 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) versions 6.5.22 and earlier. This vulnerability allows a low-privileged attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code into vulnerable form fields within the AEM interface. When a victim user subsequently accesses the affected page containing the injected script, the malicious code executes in their browser context. Stored XSS vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because the malicious payload is saved on the server and served to multiple users, increasing the attack surface and potential impact. The vulnerability requires low privileges to exploit but does require user interaction, as the victim must visit the compromised page. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.4 (medium severity), reflecting the network attack vector, low attack complexity, low privileges required, but user interaction needed, and partial impact on confidentiality and integrity without affecting availability. The scope is changed (S:C), indicating the vulnerability affects components beyond the initially vulnerable component, potentially impacting the broader application environment. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet. However, given the widespread use of AEM in enterprise content management and digital experience platforms, this vulnerability poses a significant risk if left unmitigated.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial. Adobe Experience Manager is widely used by enterprises, government agencies, and large organizations across Europe to manage web content and digital experiences. Exploitation of this stored XSS vulnerability could lead to session hijacking, credential theft, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, and distribution of malware through trusted websites. This can result in data breaches, reputational damage, and regulatory non-compliance, especially under GDPR, which mandates strict data protection and breach notification requirements. The partial compromise of confidentiality and integrity can expose sensitive customer or internal data. Additionally, the scope change indicates potential cascading effects within the AEM environment, possibly affecting multiple users and integrated systems. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering could be used to lure victims to the malicious page, increasing the risk in environments with less security awareness. Given the critical role of AEM in digital services, disruption or compromise could also affect business continuity and customer trust.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Monitor Adobe’s official security advisories closely for the release of patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-46917 and apply them promptly. 2) Implement strict input validation and output encoding on all form fields within AEM to prevent injection of malicious scripts. 3) Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers. 4) Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on web application vulnerabilities, including stored XSS. 5) Educate users and administrators about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or interacting with untrusted content within AEM-managed sites. 6) Use web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules tuned to detect and block XSS payloads targeting AEM. 7) Limit user privileges to the minimum necessary to reduce the risk of low-privileged attackers injecting malicious content. 8) Review and harden AEM configurations to disable or restrict vulnerable components or features if feasible until patches are applied. These measures, combined, reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of exploitation.