CVE-2026-1161 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in pbrong hrms version 1.0.1, specifically within the UpdateRecruitmentById function located in the /handler/recruitment.go source file. The vulnerability arises from insufficient sanitization or improper handling of user-supplied input, allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into the web application. This injected script can execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the victim. The attack vector is remote, requiring no authentication, but user interaction is necessary to trigger the malicious payload, such as clicking a crafted link or viewing a manipulated page. The CVSS 4.0 score of 5.1 reflects a medium severity, considering the ease of exploitation (low complexity), no privileges required, but user interaction needed. No known exploits are currently active in the wild, but the public availability of exploit code increases the risk of future attacks. The vulnerability affects only version 1.0.1 of pbrong hrms, a human resource management system, which may be deployed in various organizational environments. The lack of patches at the time of reporting necessitates immediate mitigation efforts to reduce exposure. This vulnerability primarily threatens the confidentiality and integrity of user data and sessions, with no direct impact on system availability. Attackers exploiting this flaw could impersonate users or steal sensitive HR-related information, which could have broader organizational consequences.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-1161 can be significant, especially for those relying on pbrong hrms 1.0.1 for managing sensitive human resources data. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to employee information, session hijacking, and potential lateral movement within the network if attackers leverage stolen credentials. This could result in data breaches, reputational damage, and regulatory non-compliance, particularly under GDPR which mandates strict protection of personal data. The medium severity indicates a moderate risk, but the public availability of exploit code increases the urgency for mitigation. Organizations with large HR departments or those in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, or government are at higher risk due to the sensitivity of the data involved. Additionally, the remote nature of the attack vector means that attackers can attempt exploitation from outside the network perimeter, increasing the threat surface. The requirement for user interaction somewhat limits mass exploitation but targeted phishing or social engineering campaigns could facilitate successful attacks. Overall, the vulnerability could disrupt HR operations and compromise employee privacy, leading to financial and legal consequences.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on applying any official patches or updates from pbrong once released for version 1.0.1. 2. Until patches are available, implement strict input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data in the UpdateRecruitmentById function to neutralize malicious scripts. 3. Deploy web application firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block common XSS payloads targeting the affected endpoints. 4. Conduct security awareness training for HR staff and users to recognize and avoid phishing attempts that could trigger the vulnerability. 5. Review and restrict user privileges to minimize the impact of compromised accounts. 6. Monitor application logs and network traffic for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 7. Consider isolating or segmenting the HRMS environment to limit lateral movement if an attack occurs. 8. Perform regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on web application vulnerabilities. 9. Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to reduce the impact of XSS attacks by restricting script execution. 10. Maintain an incident response plan tailored to web application attacks to enable rapid containment and remediation.