CVE-2025-49978 is an authorization bypass vulnerability classified under CWE-639 (Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key) affecting the eyecix JobSearch product up to version 2.9.0. This vulnerability arises due to incorrectly configured access control security levels, allowing an attacker with limited privileges (requires low-level privileges) to bypass authorization mechanisms by manipulating user-controlled keys. The flaw does not impact confidentiality or integrity directly but affects availability, potentially allowing unauthorized actions that could disrupt normal operations or access restricted functionality. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without user interaction, increasing its risk profile. However, exploitation requires some level of authentication (PR:L), meaning the attacker must have at least low-level access credentials. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.3 (medium severity), reflecting the limited impact on confidentiality and integrity but acknowledging the ease of network exploitation and potential availability impact. No known exploits are currently in the wild, and no patches have been published yet. The vulnerability's root cause is improper access control validation, specifically allowing user input to influence authorization decisions, which is a common and critical security design flaw in web applications and services like JobSearch platforms.

For European organizations using eyecix JobSearch, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to certain restricted functionalities or data, potentially disrupting recruitment workflows or exposing sensitive operational processes. While confidentiality and data integrity are not directly compromised, the availability and proper functioning of the JobSearch platform could be impacted, leading to service interruptions or unauthorized actions that degrade user trust and operational efficiency. Organizations relying heavily on JobSearch for talent acquisition may face delays or operational inefficiencies. Additionally, if attackers leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges or chain with other vulnerabilities, the impact could be more severe. Given that exploitation requires some authentication, insider threats or compromised low-privilege accounts pose a particular risk. This vulnerability could also be leveraged in targeted attacks against HR departments or recruitment agencies, which are strategic targets for espionage or disruption in Europe.

1. Implement strict server-side validation of all authorization checks, ensuring that user-controlled keys or parameters cannot influence access control decisions. 2. Enforce the principle of least privilege rigorously, limiting user permissions to the minimum necessary. 3. Monitor and audit access logs for unusual patterns indicative of authorization bypass attempts, especially from authenticated low-privilege accounts. 4. Deploy Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block anomalous requests that manipulate authorization keys. 5. Conduct thorough code reviews and penetration testing focused on access control mechanisms within the JobSearch application. 6. Segregate critical HR functions and sensitive data within the application to minimize impact if authorization bypass occurs. 7. Prepare incident response plans specifically for HR and recruitment systems to quickly address potential exploitation. 8. Engage with eyecix for timely patches or updates and apply them promptly once available. 9. Educate users and administrators about the risks of credential compromise and enforce multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of low-privilege account misuse.