CVE-2025-5198 is a Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in Red Hat Advanced Cluster Security 4 (formerly Stackrox), specifically versions 4.4.0 and 4.5.0. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, where malicious script code embedded in the name of a Kubernetes Role object can be executed in the Stackrox web interface. The Role object is a Kubernetes resource used to define permissions within a cluster, and its name is displayed in certain table cells within the Stackrox UI. If an attacker can insert script code into the Role name, this code is not properly sanitized before rendering, leading to XSS. Exploitation requires the attacker to have the ability to create or modify Role objects in the cluster, which typically requires cluster access or leveraging a compromised third-party product with such privileges. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network but requires user interaction (e.g., an administrator viewing the affected UI page). The CVSS 3.1 score is 5.0 (medium), reflecting low confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, high attack complexity, no privileges required, and user interaction needed. No public exploits are known at this time. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and output encoding in web interfaces that display Kubernetes resource metadata. Given the widespread use of Kubernetes and Red Hat Advanced Cluster Security in enterprise environments, this vulnerability could be leveraged for session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation if chained with other vulnerabilities.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-5198 is primarily related to the potential compromise of administrative sessions and the integrity of the Kubernetes security posture. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the Stackrox web interface, potentially leading to theft of authentication tokens, unauthorized actions within the UI, or pivoting to other parts of the infrastructure. While the direct impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is rated low, the vulnerability could serve as an initial foothold or escalation vector in complex attack chains targeting Kubernetes clusters. Organizations heavily reliant on Kubernetes for critical workloads and using Red Hat Advanced Cluster Security 4 should be aware that attackers with cluster access or compromised third-party integrations could exploit this flaw. This is particularly relevant for sectors with high regulatory requirements such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure in Europe, where Kubernetes security is paramount. The vulnerability also raises concerns about supply chain security and the trustworthiness of third-party products integrated with Kubernetes clusters.

To mitigate CVE-2025-5198, European organizations should take the following specific actions: 1) Immediately upgrade Red Hat Advanced Cluster Security to a patched version once available from Red Hat, as no patch links are currently provided but are expected. 2) Implement strict input validation and output encoding controls on Kubernetes resource metadata displayed in web interfaces, including Role names, to prevent script injection. 3) Restrict permissions to create or modify Kubernetes Role objects to trusted administrators only, minimizing the attack surface. 4) Monitor Kubernetes audit logs and Stackrox logs for suspicious Role creation or modification events containing unusual characters or script tags. 5) Conduct regular security assessments of third-party products integrated with Kubernetes clusters to ensure they do not introduce vulnerabilities or unauthorized access. 6) Educate cluster administrators about the risks of XSS and safe handling of Kubernetes resource names. 7) Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers in the Stackrox web interface to limit the impact of potential XSS attacks. 8) Use network segmentation and zero-trust principles to limit access to the Stackrox UI and Kubernetes API server. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on Kubernetes-specific controls and operational security best practices.