CVE-2025-47016 in Experience Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2025
Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.22 and earlier are affected by a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability that could be abused by a low privileged attacker to inject malicious scripts into vulnerable form fields. Malicious JavaScript may be executed in a victim’s browser when they browse to the page containing the vulnerable field.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2025
Adobe Experience Manager represents a comprehensive digital experience platform that serves as a cornerstone for enterprise web content management and digital asset handling. The platform's widespread adoption across organizations makes it a prime target for cyber adversaries seeking to exploit vulnerabilities that could compromise entire digital ecosystems. This particular vulnerability exists within the form handling mechanisms of Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.22 and earlier, where insufficient input validation and output encoding create pathways for malicious actors to inject persistent script code. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious payload is permanently saved within the application's database or storage mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over extended periods.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's failure to properly sanitize user input within form fields that are subsequently rendered to other users. When a low privileged attacker submits malicious JavaScript code through a vulnerable form field, the platform stores this content without adequate filtering or encoding. This stored payload then becomes part of the application's data model and is subsequently served to other users who view the affected pages. The vulnerability is classified as a stored XSS due to the persistence of the malicious script beyond the initial injection point, distinguishing it from reflected XSS attacks where the payload must be delivered through external means. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and represents a critical weakness in input validation and output encoding controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple script execution, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited for various malicious purposes including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. When victims browse to pages containing the stored malicious content, their browsers execute the injected JavaScript code within the context of their authenticated sessions, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive information, modify content, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of legitimate users. The low privilege requirement for exploitation means that even users with minimal access rights can create persistent threats that affect the entire user base. This vulnerability can be leveraged for advanced persistent threats where attackers establish long-term footholds within organizations, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where Adobe Experience Manager serves as a central component of digital infrastructure.
Security practitioners should immediately implement comprehensive input validation measures and ensure that all user-supplied content undergoes strict sanitization before being stored or rendered. The recommended mitigation includes upgrading to Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.23 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through enhanced input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should also implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and monitor for unusual form submissions that might indicate attempted exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential XSS vulnerabilities within the application's form handling and content rendering processes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and highlights how even seemingly minor input validation gaps can create significant security risks in enterprise content management systems. This issue should be prioritized in vulnerability management programs and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can use the stored XSS to execute arbitrary code in victim browsers and potentially escalate privileges within the application environment.