CVE-2025-52778 is a high-severity security vulnerability classified under CWE-79, which pertains to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, commonly known as Cross-site Scripting (XSS). This vulnerability affects the xili-dictionary product developed by Michel - xiligroup dev, specifically versions up to 2.12.5.2. The flaw allows for reflected XSS attacks, where malicious input is not properly sanitized or encoded before being included in dynamically generated web pages. As a result, an attacker can craft a specially crafted URL or input that, when visited or submitted by a user, causes the victim's browser to execute arbitrary JavaScript code. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.1 indicates a high severity level, with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L highlighting that the attack can be launched remotely over the network without privileges and with low attack complexity, but requires user interaction (e.g., clicking a malicious link). The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. The impact affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a limited extent, as the attacker can potentially steal sensitive information, manipulate content, or disrupt service via script execution. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches are linked yet, indicating that mitigation may rely on vendor updates or manual input sanitization by administrators. This vulnerability is significant because reflected XSS can be used for session hijacking, phishing, or delivering malware, especially in web applications that handle sensitive user data or authentication.

For European organizations using the xili-dictionary plugin, particularly in content management systems or websites that rely on this tool for multilingual dictionary management, this vulnerability poses a risk of client-side attacks. Successful exploitation can lead to theft of user credentials, session tokens, or other sensitive information, potentially enabling further compromise of user accounts or internal systems. Additionally, attackers could deface websites or redirect users to malicious sites, damaging organizational reputation and trust. Given the reflected nature of the XSS, phishing campaigns could be tailored to European users, exploiting localized content. The impact is heightened in sectors with strict data protection regulations such as GDPR, where data breaches can result in significant fines and legal consequences. Moreover, the vulnerability could be leveraged to bypass access controls or inject malicious scripts into trusted environments, affecting availability and integrity of services. The lack of a patch at the time of publication means organizations must be vigilant and apply interim mitigations to reduce exposure.

European organizations should immediately audit their use of the xili-dictionary plugin and identify all instances where it is deployed. Until an official patch is released, it is critical to implement strict input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data that interacts with the vulnerable component. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts and reduce the impact of XSS attacks. Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) should be configured with rules to detect and block reflected XSS payloads targeting the affected endpoints. Additionally, educating users to avoid clicking suspicious links and monitoring web logs for unusual request patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should subscribe to vendor advisories for prompt patch releases and plan for immediate updates once available. Finally, conducting penetration testing focused on XSS vulnerabilities in the affected applications can help identify residual risks and verify the effectiveness of mitigations.