CVE-2025-61769 in Emlog
Summary
by MITRE • 10/06/2025
Emlog is an open source website building system. A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in emlog up to and including version 2.5.22 allows authenticated remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the file upload functionality. As an authenticated user it is possible to upload .svg file that contains JavaScript code that is later being executed. Commit 052f9c4226b2c0014bcd857fec47677340b185b1 fixes the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2025
The CVE-2025-61769 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Emlog, a popular open-source content management system used for website building. This vulnerability specifically affects versions up to and including 2.5.22, creating a significant security risk for users who have not yet upgraded to the patched version. The flaw resides within the file upload functionality, which is a common attack vector in web applications due to the potential for malicious code injection through seemingly benign file types.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the insecure handling of SVG file uploads within the Emlog platform. When an authenticated user uploads an SVG file containing embedded JavaScript code, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the file contents before storing and serving it to other users. This allows the malicious JavaScript to execute in the context of other users' browsers, creating a persistent XSS attack vector that can be leveraged for various malicious purposes including session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authentication to exploit, meaning that attackers who can obtain legitimate user credentials can immediately leverage this flaw.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-61769 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate user sessions and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious file uploads. The attack surface is broad since SVG files are commonly used for web graphics and are often treated with less scrutiny than other file types, making this a particularly effective vector for exploitation. Organizations using affected versions of Emlog face significant risk of user data compromise, potential service disruption, and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to the patched version that incorporates commit 052f9c4226b2c0014bcd857fec47677340b185b1, which addresses the insecure file validation mechanism. Additionally, administrators should implement strict file type validation and sanitization policies, particularly for SVG uploads, and consider deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious file uploads. Regular security audits of file upload functionality should be conducted to ensure proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should also enforce multi-factor authentication for user accounts and implement monitoring for suspicious upload activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The fix implemented in the patched version demonstrates proper secure coding practices by ensuring that SVG files are properly validated and sanitized before being stored or executed within the application environment.