CVE-2025-64538 is a DOM-based Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability identified in Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) versions 6.5.23 and earlier. DOM-based XSS occurs when client-side scripts write untrusted data to the Document Object Model (DOM) without proper sanitization, enabling attackers to inject malicious JavaScript that executes in the victim’s browser context. This vulnerability allows an attacker to craft a malicious web page or URL that, when visited by a user of a vulnerable AEM instance, executes arbitrary scripts. The impact includes session hijacking, theft of sensitive information, and potential unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the victim. The CVSS v3.1 score of 9.3 indicates a critical severity, with attack vector being network-based, no privileges required, low attack complexity, but requiring user interaction. The scope is changed, meaning the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability’s nature and severity make it a high-risk target for attackers. Adobe Experience Manager is widely used by enterprises for web content management, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on AEM for their web presence and digital services.

For European organizations, the exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to significant confidentiality breaches through session hijacking and unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data. Integrity of web applications could be compromised, allowing attackers to manipulate content or perform actions as legitimate users. The availability impact is low, as the vulnerability does not directly enable denial of service. However, reputational damage and regulatory consequences under GDPR could be severe if customer or employee data is exposed. Organizations in sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and media that use Adobe Experience Manager are at heightened risk. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to increase exploitation success. Given the critical CVSS score and the widespread deployment of AEM in Europe, the potential impact is substantial, especially if attackers develop reliable exploits.

1. Monitor Adobe’s official channels for patches addressing CVE-2025-64538 and apply them promptly once released. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all user-controllable inputs that interact with the DOM to prevent injection of malicious scripts. 3. Deploy Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of untrusted scripts and reduce the impact of XSS attacks. 4. Conduct security reviews and penetration testing focused on client-side code handling DOM manipulations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. 5. Educate users and administrators about phishing risks and encourage cautious behavior when clicking on links or visiting unknown pages. 6. Use web application firewalls (WAFs) with updated rules to detect and block common XSS attack patterns targeting AEM. 7. Review and harden session management mechanisms to limit the impact of session hijacking attempts. 8. Consider isolating critical AEM instances behind VPNs or access controls to reduce exposure to external threats.