CVE-2026-2201 is a cross-site scripting vulnerability identified in the ZeroWdd studentmanager software, specifically affecting the addLeave function within the LeaveController.java file. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation or sanitization of the 'Reason for Leave' parameter, which is susceptible to malicious script injection. An attacker can remotely exploit this flaw by crafting input that, when processed and rendered by the application, executes arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the victim's browser. This can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the user. The vulnerability does not require authentication but does require user interaction, such as clicking a malicious link or submitting a form with the crafted payload. The software follows a rolling release model but has not been actively maintained for years, meaning no official patches or updates are available to address this issue. The CVSS 4.0 score of 4.8 reflects a medium severity, considering the ease of remote exploitation but limited impact on availability and the requirement for user interaction. The lack of recent updates increases the risk for organizations still running this software, as the vulnerability remains unpatched and publicly disclosed. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but public disclosure raises the likelihood of future exploitation attempts.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions using ZeroWdd studentmanager, this vulnerability poses a risk to the confidentiality and integrity of user data. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute malicious scripts in users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, unauthorized data access, or manipulation of student leave records. This could undermine trust in the institution's data handling and lead to regulatory compliance issues under GDPR due to unauthorized data exposure. The lack of active maintenance means organizations cannot rely on vendor patches and must implement compensating controls. The attack vector is remote and requires user interaction, which could be facilitated through phishing campaigns targeting staff or students. The impact on availability is minimal, but the potential for reputational damage and data breaches is significant. Given the public disclosure and absence of patches, the window for exploitation is open, increasing the urgency for mitigation.

European organizations should immediately audit their use of ZeroWdd studentmanager to identify affected instances. Since no official patches are available due to discontinued maintenance, organizations must implement compensating controls. These include rigorous input validation and output encoding on the 'Reason for Leave' field to neutralize malicious scripts. Employing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help restrict script execution in browsers. Deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting XSS payloads can provide an additional layer of defense. User awareness training to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious links is critical to reduce the risk of user interaction exploitation. If feasible, migrating to alternative actively maintained student management systems should be considered to eliminate exposure. Regular security assessments and monitoring for anomalous activities related to this application are also recommended. Finally, organizations should ensure compliance with data protection regulations by documenting risk acceptance or mitigation steps.