CVE-2025-6676 in Simple XML Sitemap
Summary
by MITRE • 06/26/2025
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Drupal Simple XML sitemap allows Cross-Site Scripting (XSS).This issue affects Simple XML sitemap: from 0.0.0 before 4.2.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-6676 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Drupal Simple XML sitemap module, specifically impacting versions prior to 4.2.2. This weakness resides in the improper neutralization of input during web page generation processes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject harmful scripts into web applications. The vulnerability manifests when user-supplied data is not adequately sanitized before being rendered in web pages, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from the module's failure to properly escape or filter input parameters that are subsequently incorporated into generated XML sitemap files. When Drupal processes user-contributed content or configuration data through the Simple XML sitemap module, the system does not sufficiently validate or sanitize this input before including it in the output. This oversight creates an environment where malicious payloads can be embedded within sitemap entries, which then get executed when the sitemap is accessed by unsuspecting users. The vulnerability is classified as a classic reflected XSS issue under CWE-79, which specifically addresses the improper neutralization of input during web page generation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data manipulation. An attacker could craft malicious sitemap entries that, when processed by the vulnerable module, would execute scripts that steal user sessions or redirect them to malicious sites. This presents a significant risk to Drupal websites relying on the Simple XML sitemap functionality, particularly those with user-generated content or administrative interfaces. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct injection into sitemap parameters, manipulation of configuration settings, or exploitation of user input fields that feed into the sitemap generation process.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-6676 should prioritize immediate patching of the Simple XML sitemap module to version 4.2.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for input sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures, including the adoption of proper HTML escaping techniques for all user-supplied data before inclusion in sitemap outputs. Security teams should also consider implementing content security policies to limit script execution capabilities within affected applications. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1566 for credential access and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing security monitoring and incident response procedures. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and regular security scanning of sitemap content can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts.