CVE-2025-48996 is an information disclosure vulnerability classified under CWE-201 (Insertion of Sensitive Information Into Sent Data) affecting the HAX open-apis component used by the HAX webcomponents repository. This vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 10.0.2 of the open-apis microservice APIs, which serve as shared infrastructure calls for the HAX content management system (CMS). Specifically, the vulnerability was identified in the Penn State University deployment of HAX CMS via the `haxPsuUsage` API endpoint. Due to insufficient access controls, an unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this flaw to retrieve a comprehensive list of websites hosted on the HAX CMS platform at Penn State University. Although the direct impact is limited to information disclosure (confidentiality impact), the exposed data can facilitate further targeted attacks, especially when combined with other authorization vulnerabilities such as HAX-3. These chained exploits could enable unauthorized content modification or deletion, potentially compromising the integrity of hosted websites. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction and can be exploited remotely over the network. The issue was addressed and patched in commit 06c2e1fbb7131a8fe66aa0600f38dcacae6b7ac7. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.3 (medium severity), reflecting the limited impact on confidentiality without direct integrity or availability consequences. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-48996 lies in the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information regarding websites hosted on the HAX CMS platform. While the vulnerability itself does not allow direct modification or disruption of services, the leaked information can be leveraged by attackers to identify valuable targets for subsequent attacks, including unauthorized content changes or deletions if combined with other vulnerabilities. This can lead to reputational damage, loss of trust, and potential regulatory compliance issues under GDPR if personal or sensitive data is indirectly exposed or manipulated. Organizations using HAX CMS or similar deployments in Europe could face increased risk of targeted cyberattacks, especially in academic, governmental, or public sector institutions where HAX CMS might be deployed. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no authentication, increasing the attack surface and risk of reconnaissance by malicious actors. However, since no active exploitation is currently known, the immediate risk is moderate but warrants prompt remediation to prevent escalation.

1. Immediate patching: European organizations using HAX CMS should upgrade their open-apis component to versions later than 10.0.2 where the vulnerability is fixed (commit 06c2e1fbb7131a8fe66aa0600f38dcacae6b7ac7). 2. Access control review: Implement strict access controls and authentication mechanisms on all API endpoints, especially those exposing infrastructure or usage data, to prevent unauthenticated access. 3. API endpoint monitoring: Deploy logging and monitoring solutions to detect unusual or unauthorized API requests, enabling early detection of reconnaissance activities. 4. Security testing: Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focusing on chained vulnerabilities that could escalate the impact of information disclosure flaws. 5. Network segmentation: Restrict API endpoint access to trusted networks or VPNs where feasible to reduce exposure to external attackers. 6. Incident response readiness: Prepare response plans for potential content tampering incidents that could arise from chained exploitation scenarios. 7. Vendor engagement: Maintain communication with the HAX CMS vendor or community for timely updates and security advisories.