CVE-2026-0730 identifies a cross-site scripting vulnerability in the PHPGurukul Staff Leave Management System version 1.0. The vulnerability resides in the ADD_STAFF and UPDATE_STAFF functions of the adminviews.py file, specifically in the SVG File Handler component that processes the profile_pic argument. Improper sanitization or validation of this input allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of the victim's browser. The attack vector is remote and does not require prior authentication, but successful exploitation requires user interaction and high privileges, indicating that the attacker must trick an authenticated user with elevated rights to interact with a crafted payload. The CVSS 4.0 base score of 4.8 reflects medium severity, considering the network attack vector, low impact on confidentiality and integrity, and no impact on availability. The vulnerability could enable attackers to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of the user, or deliver further malware. Although no patches are currently linked, the presence of published exploit code increases the risk of future attacks. The vulnerability affects only version 1.0 of the product, which may limit the scope but still poses a risk to organizations using this specific version. The lack of authentication requirement for the initial attack vector increases exposure, especially in environments where the software is accessible over the internet or internal networks.

For European organizations, exploitation of CVE-2026-0730 could lead to unauthorized access to administrative functions within the Staff Leave Management System, potentially compromising sensitive employee data and internal workflows. The XSS vulnerability could facilitate session hijacking, enabling attackers to impersonate legitimate users and perform unauthorized actions such as modifying leave records or accessing confidential information. This could result in data breaches, loss of employee trust, and regulatory non-compliance under GDPR. Additionally, attackers could use the vulnerability as a pivot point to launch further attacks within the network. The impact is particularly significant for organizations relying heavily on this system for HR management, including public sector institutions and large enterprises. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is not critical, it still poses a tangible risk that requires timely mitigation to prevent exploitation.

To mitigate CVE-2026-0730, organizations should first verify if they are running PHPGurukul Staff Leave Management System version 1.0 and plan for an upgrade or patch deployment once available from the vendor. In the absence of an official patch, implement strict input validation and sanitization on the profile_pic parameter to ensure no executable scripts can be injected. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts in the application context. Limit access to the ADD_STAFF and UPDATE_STAFF functions to trusted administrators only, and enforce multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of compromised credentials. Monitor logs for suspicious activity related to profile_pic parameter usage and user interactions with administrative functions. Conduct regular security awareness training to educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted inputs. Finally, consider deploying web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block XSS payloads targeting this vulnerability.