A vulnerability exists in ChurchCRM 5.13.0 and prior that allows an attacker to hijack a user's session by exploiting a Stored Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Group Editor page. This allows admin users to inject malicious JavaScript in the description field, which captures the session cookie of authenticated users. The cookie can then be sent to an external server, enabling session hijacking. It can also lead to information disclosure, as exposed session cookies can be used to impersonate users and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The severity level of this vulnerability is classified as high, with a CVSS score of 8.4. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to protect against potential exploitation. The nature of this vulnerability means that attackers may leverage it to gain unauthorized access, posing a significant risk to user data and confidentiality.
As of the latest updates, no public exploit has been confirmed, and it is not included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, the potential for exploitation remains a concern, and organizations should be vigilant.
The urgency for defenders is to address this vulnerability in their patch management cycle, as the exploitation of session hijacking vulnerabilities can lead to severe consequences, including data breaches and reputational damage.
Vulnerability Details
The official CVE description states that a vulnerability exists in ChurchCRM 5.13.0 and prior versions, allowing session hijacking via a Stored Cross Site Scripting vulnerability. The CVSS score of 8.4 indicates a high severity level, with a network attack vector, low attack complexity, and a requirement for high privileges. The vulnerability can significantly impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Affected products include ChurchCRM, and the vulnerability was published on February 18, 2025. The CWE classifications are CWE-287 and CWE-79, indicating issues with session management and cross-site scripting.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper validation of user input on the Group Editor page, which allows for the injection of malicious JavaScript. The attack vector is network-based, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely. The attack complexity is low, requiring high privileges, but user interaction is passive, as the malicious script executes without the victim's involvement.
The confidentiality impact is high due to the potential exposure of session cookies. Integrity impact is low, while availability impact is also high as unauthorized users may gain access to sensitive information.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to user sessions, leading to possible data breaches and loss of sensitive information. The blast radius could extend to all users of the affected ChurchCRM versions, making it critical for organizations to address this vulnerability promptly. Given the CVSS score of 8.4 and the active nature of web applications, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to vendor patch are affected, specifically ChurchCRM versions up to and including 5.13.0.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches provided by ChurchCRM to mitigate this vulnerability. Ensure you upgrade to the latest version of ChurchCRM that addresses this issue. In the absence of a patch, consider implementing input validation and sanitization on the Group Editor page to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks. Additionally, monitor user activity for any unauthorized session hijacking attempts.
For further assistance, organizations can explore our penetration testing services to validate their security posture.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual patterns of user activity that could indicate session hijacking attempts. Look for signs of unauthorized access, especially in user sessions where administrative actions are taken without corresponding user interactions. Implement behavioral analytics to detect anomalies that deviate from normal user activity.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of securing user input on web applications. As web applications evolve, so do the tactics employed by attackers. Security teams should continuously assess their applications for XSS vulnerabilities and implement proactive measures to thwart potential exploits. For detailed guidance on securing web applications, refer to our web application penetration testing methodologies.
Additionally, organizations can benefit from reviewing their security frameworks to ensure they are resilient against evolving threats. Explore our penetration testing methodology for best practices.
Finally, consider implementing a vulnerability management program to enhance your organization's overall security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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