CVE-2025-9569 is a Reflected Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Sunnet eHRD CTMS (Clinical Trial Management System). This vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation (CWE-79), allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the browsers of users who visit a crafted URL. The attack vector involves phishing or social engineering to lure users into clicking malicious links that contain the injected script. Because the vulnerability is reflected, the malicious payload is not stored on the server but immediately reflected back in the HTTP response, making it transient but still dangerous. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.1 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack requires no privileges or authentication (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:A). The impact is limited to confidentiality and integrity of the user's session and data within the browser context, with no direct impact on availability or the server itself. The vulnerability affects version 0 of the product, which likely indicates an initial or early release version. No patches or known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the publication date (September 1, 2025). The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, a common and well-understood web application security issue. The lack of patch links suggests that remediation may still be pending or that users must implement mitigations themselves.

For European organizations using Sunnet's eHRD CTMS, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to end users who access the system via web browsers. Successful exploitation could lead to session hijacking, theft of sensitive clinical trial data, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the user. Given that eHRD CTMS is used to manage clinical trial data, the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive health information and trial results could be compromised, potentially violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. Additionally, attackers could use the vulnerability to deliver further malware or conduct phishing campaigns targeting healthcare professionals and researchers. Although the vulnerability does not directly affect system availability, the reputational damage and regulatory penalties resulting from data breaches could be significant. The requirement for user interaction means that user awareness and training are critical factors in risk mitigation. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often weaponize such vulnerabilities rapidly once disclosed.

European organizations should prioritize the following mitigations: 1) Implement input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data within the eHRD CTMS to prevent script injection. Since no official patches are currently available, organizations should work with Sunnet to obtain or expedite security updates. 2) Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block reflected XSS attack patterns targeting the eHRD CTMS endpoints. 3) Enforce Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers accessing the system. 4) Conduct user awareness training focused on phishing risks and safe browsing practices, emphasizing caution with unsolicited links. 5) Monitor web server and application logs for suspicious requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. 6) Consider isolating the eHRD CTMS environment and restricting access to trusted networks or VPNs to reduce exposure. 7) Regularly review and update browser security settings and encourage the use of modern browsers with built-in XSS protections. These measures, combined, will reduce the likelihood and impact of exploitation until a vendor patch is released.