CVE-2026-0730 is a cross-site scripting vulnerability identified in the PHPGurukul Staff Leave Management System version 1.0. The vulnerability resides in the ADD_STAFF and UPDATE_STAFF functions located in the /staffleave/slms/slms/adminviews.py file, specifically within the SVG File Handler component. The issue arises from improper handling and sanitization of the profile_pic argument, which accepts SVG files. An attacker can craft malicious SVG content that includes embedded scripts, which when processed by the vulnerable functions, leads to the execution of arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the victim's browser. This flaw can be exploited remotely without the need for authentication bypass but requires the attacker to have high privileges (PR:H) and user interaction (UI:P), such as convincing an authorized user to upload or view a crafted SVG file. The CVSS 4.8 score reflects a medium severity level, considering the network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), and no privileges required for the initial attack vector, but with the requirement of user interaction and high privileges. The vulnerability could allow attackers to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of legitimate users, or conduct phishing attacks within the application. Although no known exploits are currently observed in the wild, the public availability of exploit code increases the risk of future attacks. The lack of official patches or updates from the vendor necessitates immediate mitigation by affected organizations. The vulnerability highlights the risks of insufficient input validation and improper handling of SVG files, which are often overlooked due to their XML-based structure that can embed scripts. Organizations using PHPGurukul Staff Leave Management System should audit their file upload and processing mechanisms to prevent exploitation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-0730 can be significant, especially for those relying on PHPGurukul Staff Leave Management System for managing employee leave and staff data. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive employee information, session hijacking, and potential lateral movement within internal networks. This could result in data breaches, loss of confidentiality, and reputational damage. The vulnerability's requirement for high privileges and user interaction limits mass exploitation but increases risk in targeted attacks, such as insider threats or spear-phishing campaigns. Organizations in sectors with strict data protection regulations, such as finance, healthcare, and government, could face compliance violations and fines under GDPR if personal data is compromised. Additionally, the ability to execute scripts remotely could facilitate further attacks like malware deployment or credential theft. The absence of patches means organizations must rely on compensating controls, increasing operational overhead. The impact is heightened in environments where SVG files are commonly used for profile pictures or other graphical elements, making the attack vector more accessible.

To mitigate CVE-2026-0730, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Immediately audit and restrict the types of files accepted for profile_pic uploads, disallowing SVG files if possible or limiting to trusted sources. 2) Implement robust input validation and sanitization routines for SVG files, removing or neutralizing any embedded scripts or potentially malicious XML elements before processing or rendering. 3) Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of inline scripts and reduce the impact of XSS attacks. 4) Limit user privileges strictly, ensuring that only authorized personnel can upload or update staff profiles, reducing the attack surface. 5) Monitor logs and user activities for unusual file uploads or profile updates that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6) Educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted files and encourage cautious behavior regarding file uploads and downloads. 7) If feasible, isolate the staff leave management system in a segmented network zone to contain potential breaches. 8) Engage with the vendor or community to seek patches or updates and apply them promptly once available. 9) Consider deploying web application firewalls (WAF) with rules targeting SVG-based XSS payloads to provide an additional layer of defense. 10) Regularly review and update security policies related to file handling and web application security to incorporate lessons learned from this vulnerability.