CVE-2025-68643 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting Axigen Mail Server versions prior to 10.5.57. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of the timeFormat account preference parameter, which is not properly sanitized before being stored and later rendered in the WebMail interface's DOM. The attack requires a multi-stage approach: initially, an attacker must inject a malicious JavaScript payload into the timeFormat preference. This injection can be achieved by exploiting another vulnerability or by using compromised user credentials to modify account settings. When the victim subsequently logs into the WebMail interface, the stored malicious script is loaded and executed in their browser context. This execution can lead to various malicious outcomes, including session hijacking, theft of sensitive information such as cookies or credentials, and potentially enabling further attacks within the victim's session. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond logging into WebMail, but it does require prior access to modify the timeFormat preference, which may limit exploitation to attackers with some level of access or a secondary vulnerability. No official CVSS score has been assigned, but the vulnerability's characteristics suggest a high severity due to the potential for significant confidentiality and integrity impacts and the relative ease of exploitation once initial access is obtained. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The absence of patch links indicates that organizations should monitor vendor advisories closely for updates or apply mitigations proactively. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, especially those handling user preferences that are rendered dynamically in client browsers.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-68643 can be substantial, particularly for those relying on Axigen Mail Server for webmail services. Successful exploitation could lead to session hijacking, allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users and access sensitive emails and internal communications. This compromises confidentiality and can facilitate further lateral movement within the organization’s network. Integrity may also be affected if attackers manipulate email content or settings. Availability is less directly impacted but could be affected if attackers use the vulnerability as a foothold for broader attacks such as ransomware deployment. Organizations with high-value targets, such as government agencies, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure operators, face elevated risks. The multi-stage nature of the attack means that initial compromise vectors (e.g., credential theft or other vulnerabilities) increase the overall threat level. Given the widespread use of email for business communications in Europe, the vulnerability could enable espionage, data breaches, and reputational damage. The lack of current known exploits provides a window for proactive defense, but the potential impact warrants urgent attention.

1. Upgrade Axigen Mail Server to version 10.5.57 or later as soon as the patch becomes available to ensure the vulnerability is fully addressed. 2. Restrict access to account preference settings, particularly the timeFormat parameter, to trusted users only, and monitor changes to these settings for suspicious activity. 3. Implement strict input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data, especially parameters rendered in the WebMail interface, to prevent injection of malicious scripts. 4. Employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce the risk of credential compromise that could facilitate the initial injection stage. 5. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on webmail interfaces and account management features. 6. Monitor logs for unusual login patterns or changes to account preferences that could indicate exploitation attempts. 7. Educate users about phishing and credential security to reduce the risk of initial compromise. 8. Consider deploying Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts within the WebMail interface. 9. Isolate webmail services in segmented network zones to limit lateral movement in case of compromise.