CVE-2025-4985 in Project Portfolio Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 05/30/2025
A stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting Risk Management in Project Portfolio Manager from Release 3DEXPERIENCE R2022x through Release 3DEXPERIENCE R2025x allows an attacker to execute arbitrary script code in user's browser session.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2025
This stored cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the risk management module of Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE Project Portfolio Manager across multiple release versions from R2022x through R2025x. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's data storage mechanisms, which then execute when other users access the affected content. The vulnerability specifically impacts the risk management functionality where user inputs are not properly sanitized before being stored and subsequently rendered in web interfaces. This allows threat actors to craft malicious payloads that persist in the system and execute automatically when legitimate users view risk-related information, creating a persistent threat vector that can affect multiple users simultaneously.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's risk management component. When users enter risk-related data, including risk descriptions, mitigation plans, or stakeholder information, the system fails to properly sanitize these inputs before storing them in the database. The stored data is then retrieved and displayed without sufficient sanitization or encoding, allowing malicious script code to execute in the context of authenticated user sessions. This stored XSS condition is particularly dangerous because the malicious code remains persistent within the application's database and executes every time affected content is rendered, making it difficult to contain and remediate. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a classic case of insecure data handling where user-supplied content is not properly escaped or validated before presentation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised user sessions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, access sensitive project data, modify risk assessments, or even escalate privileges within the application. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that once an attacker successfully injects malicious code, it can affect all users who access the vulnerable risk management data, potentially compromising entire project portfolios and sensitive business intelligence. This vulnerability particularly threatens organizations using 3DEXPERIENCE for critical project management and risk assessment activities, as it could lead to data exfiltration, unauthorized modifications to risk mitigation strategies, or complete compromise of project-related decision-making processes. The attack surface is broad since risk management data typically contains sensitive information about project dependencies, resource allocation, and potential threats that could be exploited for further attacks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including input validation enhancements, output encoding improvements, and comprehensive security testing of all user input fields within the risk management module. The recommended approach involves implementing strict sanitization of all user-supplied data before storage, employing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, and conducting regular security assessments of the application's data handling mechanisms. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious script injection attempts, while ensuring that all users are promptly updated with the latest security patches from Dassault Systèmes. Additionally, organizations should establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual script injection patterns and implement regular security training for users to recognize potential social engineering attempts that might exploit this vulnerability. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in enterprise applications, particularly those handling sensitive business data and risk-related information. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.001 for spearphishing with a link, as attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent access and execute malicious payloads within the target environment.