CVE-2025-47933 is a critical cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting Argo CD, a popular declarative GitOps continuous delivery tool for Kubernetes. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically due to insufficient filtering of URL protocols on the repository page. This flaw allows an attacker with edit permissions on a repository to craft malicious URLs that execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim's browser session. Exploitation requires the attacker to have permission to edit the repository and involves user interaction (e.g., the victim visiting a maliciously crafted URL). Successful exploitation can lead to full compromise of the victim's session, enabling the attacker to perform arbitrary actions via the API on behalf of the victim, including potentially modifying deployments or configurations managed by Argo CD. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Argo CD, specifically versions from 1.2.0-rc1 up to 1.8.7, 2.0.0-rc3 up to but not including 2.13.8, 2.14.0-rc1 up to but not including 2.14.13, and 3.0.0-rc1 up to but not including 3.0.4. The issue has been patched in versions 2.13.8, 2.14.13, and 3.0.4. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.1 (critical), reflecting the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges (edit permission), and user interaction. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the severity and nature of the vulnerability warrant immediate attention.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially those relying on Kubernetes and GitOps workflows using Argo CD for continuous delivery. Exploitation could allow attackers to hijack sessions of authorized users with repository edit permissions, leading to unauthorized changes in deployment configurations, injection of malicious code into production environments, or disruption of service availability. This can result in data breaches, service outages, and compromise of critical infrastructure managed via Kubernetes clusters. Given the widespread adoption of Kubernetes and GitOps in Europe’s technology and industrial sectors, including finance, manufacturing, and public services, the risk extends to critical national infrastructure and sensitive data environments. The vulnerability’s exploitation could also facilitate lateral movement within networks, increasing the scope of potential damage. Additionally, regulatory frameworks such as GDPR impose strict requirements on data protection, and breaches resulting from this vulnerability could lead to legal and financial penalties.

European organizations should prioritize upgrading Argo CD installations to the patched versions 2.13.8, 2.14.13, or 3.0.4 immediately. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict access controls to limit repository edit permissions only to trusted personnel, minimizing the attack surface. Employing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious URL parameters or script injections on the Argo CD interface can provide an additional layer of defense. Regularly auditing and monitoring API usage and user activity logs for anomalous behavior can help detect exploitation attempts early. Organizations should also educate users with edit permissions about phishing risks and the dangers of clicking on untrusted links. Implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers in the Argo CD web interface can help mitigate the impact of XSS by restricting script execution sources. Finally, integrating vulnerability scanning and security testing into the CI/CD pipeline can help identify similar issues proactively.