CVE-2025-61457 identifies a Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in code16 Sharp version 9.6.6, specifically within the source file src/Form/Fields/SharpFormUploadField.php. XSS vulnerabilities occur when an application includes untrusted user input in web pages without proper validation or encoding, allowing attackers to inject malicious client-side scripts. In this case, the vulnerability likely arises from insufficient sanitization of input fields related to file uploads in the SharpFormUploadField component, which is part of the form handling functionality in the code16 Sharp PHP framework. Exploiting this vulnerability would enable an attacker to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the victim’s browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, theft of cookies, defacement, or redirecting users to malicious websites. The vulnerability was reserved on 2025-09-26 and published on 2025-10-21, but no CVSS score or patches have been provided yet, and there are no known exploits in the wild. The absence of a CVSS score suggests that the vulnerability is newly disclosed and may not yet be fully assessed. Code16 Sharp is a PHP framework used primarily for building admin panels and forms, so the affected systems are likely web applications relying on this framework. The attack vector is client-side and does not require authentication, making it relatively easy to exploit if the vulnerable application is publicly accessible. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality and integrity of user data by enabling script injection and manipulation of user sessions or data displayed on the web interface.

For European organizations using code16 Sharp v9.6.6 in their web applications, this XSS vulnerability poses risks primarily to the confidentiality and integrity of user data. Attackers could exploit the vulnerability to steal session cookies, impersonate users, or perform unauthorized actions within the context of the victim’s session. This could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or reputational damage if the web application is defaced or used to distribute malware. The impact is heightened for organizations handling sensitive personal data or financial information, as required by GDPR regulations. Additionally, compromised web applications could be leveraged as a foothold for further attacks within the network. Since no known exploits are reported yet, the immediate risk may be low, but the ease of exploitation and lack of authentication requirements mean that the threat could escalate quickly once exploit code becomes available. European organizations with public-facing web applications built on this framework should consider the potential for targeted attacks, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, and government where data sensitivity is high.

1. Immediate review and hardening of input validation and output encoding in the SharpFormUploadField.php file to ensure all user inputs are properly sanitized and encoded before rendering in the browser. 2. Monitor the official code16 Sharp repository and vendor communications for patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-61457 and apply them promptly once available. 3. Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts and reduce the impact of potential XSS attacks. 4. Conduct thorough security testing, including automated and manual penetration testing focused on XSS vectors in all forms and upload fields. 5. Educate developers on secure coding practices related to input handling and output encoding within PHP frameworks. 6. Deploy Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules tuned to detect and block common XSS attack patterns targeting the affected endpoints. 7. Regularly audit and monitor web application logs for suspicious activity indicative of attempted XSS exploitation. 8. Consider isolating or restricting access to administrative panels built with code16 Sharp to trusted networks or VPNs to reduce exposure. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific vulnerable component and proactive detection and prevention strategies.