CVE-2025-46940 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 accesses a page containing the injected malicious script, the script executes in their browser context. Stored XSS differs from reflected XSS in that the malicious payload is permanently stored on the server (e.g., in a database or content repository) and served to users, increasing the attack's persistence and reach. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, which covers improper neutralization of input leading to script injection. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.4 (medium severity), with vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N, indicating network attack vector, low attack complexity, requiring low privileges and user interaction, with a scope change and limited confidentiality and integrity impact but no availability impact. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of authenticated users, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the victim user. Given that AEM is a widely used enterprise content management system, exploitation could affect web portals, intranets, and digital asset management systems that rely on AEM for content delivery and management.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially to those using Adobe Experience Manager for managing public-facing websites, internal portals, or digital content platforms. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, session hijacking, or manipulation of content, undermining user trust and potentially violating GDPR requirements related to data protection and breach notification. The scope change in the CVSS vector suggests that the vulnerability could allow attackers to affect resources beyond their initial privileges, increasing the risk of lateral movement or privilege escalation within affected systems. Organizations in sectors such as government, finance, healthcare, and media, which often rely on AEM for content management, could face reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and operational disruption if exploited. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering could be used to lure victims to vulnerable pages, amplifying the attack's effectiveness. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the medium severity and persistence of stored XSS make it a credible threat that should be addressed proactively.

1. Immediate mitigation should include reviewing and sanitizing all user input fields in AEM forms to ensure proper encoding and validation to prevent script injection. 2. Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers accessing AEM content. 3. Limit user privileges to the minimum necessary, especially for users who can submit or manage content through vulnerable form fields. 4. Monitor web application logs and user activity for unusual behavior indicative of XSS exploitation attempts. 5. Educate users about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or interacting with untrusted content within AEM portals. 6. Stay updated with Adobe’s security advisories and apply official patches or updates as soon as they become available. 7. Consider deploying web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules tailored to detect and block XSS payloads targeting AEM. 8. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on input validation and XSS vulnerabilities in AEM deployments.