CVE-2025-64603 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) versions 6.5.23 and earlier. Stored XSS occurs when malicious scripts are permanently injected into a target application’s data store, such as form fields, and later rendered in users’ browsers. In this case, a low-privileged attacker can exploit vulnerable form fields within AEM to insert malicious JavaScript code. When legitimate users access pages containing these fields, the injected scripts execute in their browsers, potentially allowing the attacker to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of the user, or deface content. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have some level of privileges (PR:L) and user interaction (UI:R) but does not require physical access or complex attack vectors. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.4 reflects a medium severity, indicating moderate impact on confidentiality and integrity, but no impact on availability. The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability affects components beyond the initially vulnerable component, increasing risk. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability’s presence in a widely used enterprise content management system makes it a notable risk. Adobe has not yet released patches, so mitigation relies on compensating controls. Stored XSS in AEM is particularly concerning because AEM is often used to manage public-facing websites and internal portals, increasing the potential victim pool. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could conduct phishing, session hijacking, or deliver malware via injected scripts, impacting organizational security and user trust.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-64603 can be significant, especially for those relying on Adobe Experience Manager to manage critical web content and internal collaboration platforms. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to user sessions, theft of sensitive information such as authentication tokens or personal data, and manipulation of displayed content, undermining data integrity and user trust. While availability is not directly affected, the reputational damage and potential regulatory consequences under GDPR for data breaches involving personal data could be severe. Organizations in sectors such as government, finance, healthcare, and media that use AEM extensively may face increased risk. The vulnerability’s requirement for user interaction and low privilege means attackers could leverage social engineering or insider threats to trigger exploitation. Given the interconnected nature of European digital infrastructure, a successful attack could also facilitate lateral movement or further compromise within networks. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often develop exploits rapidly after disclosure.

1. Monitor Adobe’s official channels closely for the release of security patches addressing CVE-2025-64603 and apply them promptly across all affected AEM instances. 2. Implement strict input validation on all form fields to reject or sanitize potentially malicious scripts before storage. 3. Employ robust output encoding/escaping techniques when rendering user-supplied content to prevent script execution. 4. Deploy Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts and reduce the impact of XSS attacks. 5. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on web application vulnerabilities, including XSS. 6. Educate users and administrators about the risks of clicking suspicious links or interacting with untrusted content within AEM portals. 7. Limit privileges for users who can submit content to the minimum necessary to reduce the attack surface. 8. Use web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules tuned to detect and block XSS payloads targeting AEM. 9. Monitor logs and alerts for unusual activity indicative of attempted exploitation. 10. Consider isolating AEM instances or sensitive content behind additional authentication layers or network segmentation to reduce exposure.