An issue was discovered in REDCap 14.9.6. A Reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the email-subject field exists while performing an upload of a CSV file containing a list of alert configurations. An attacker can send the victim a CSV file containing the XSS payload in the email-subject. Once the victim uploads the file, he automatically lands on a page to view the uploaded data. If the victim clicks on the email-subject value, it triggers the XSS payload.
This vulnerability is classified with a CVSS score of 6.1, indicating a medium severity level. Organizations should understand the implications of this vulnerability as it allows attackers to manipulate user interactions through crafted CSV files, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data exposure.
Risk to organizations includes the possibility of unauthorized script execution in the context of the user’s session, which can lead to data theft or loss of integrity. Therefore, organizations should prioritize addressing this vulnerability.
Currently, there is no known exploit or public proof of concept for this vulnerability, but organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in their security measures.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-23110 in Vanderbilt REDCap version 14.9.6 is characterized as a reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. The official description outlines how an attacker can exploit this vulnerability through manipulated CSV uploads.
The CVSS score assigned to this vulnerability is 6.1, signifying medium severity. This score reflects the potential impact of the vulnerability, which could be exploited by attackers with minimal effort.
The affected product is REDCap, specifically version 14.9.6. This vulnerability was published on January 10, 2025, and is classified under CWE-79.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation on the email-subject field during the CSV file upload process. Attackers may leverage this flaw by embedding malicious scripts within the CSV file's email-subject field.
The attack vector is network-based, requiring the attacker to send a crafted CSV file to the victim. The complexity of the attack is low, as it does not require advanced skills or privileges. User interaction is required, as the victim must upload the CSV file and click on the email-subject value to trigger the XSS payload.
The impacts of this vulnerability are classified as low for confidentiality and integrity, with no impact on availability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations that utilize REDCap version 14.9.6 are at risk from this vulnerability. The potential blast radius includes all users who interact with the email-subject field during the CSV upload process. Given the nature of XSS attacks, the impact can extend beyond the immediate victim, affecting sensitive data and overall system integrity.
Urgency for remediation is classified as medium, as organizations should address this vulnerability within their patch cycle. While there is low public exploitation reported, the potential consequences of successful exploitation warrant timely attention.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected version of REDCap is 14.9.6. Organizations running this version must take immediate action to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability. If version information is not available, it is advised to assume all versions prior to the vendor patch are vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by the vendor. Regular updates and monitoring are essential for maintaining security. In the absence of a patch, organizations should implement configuration hardening to restrict file uploads and validate inputs thoroughly.
For further guidance on security testing, organizations can refer to penetration testing practices that ensure comprehensive security assessments are conducted.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of unauthorized access or script execution. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected redirects or unusual user actions after file uploads, should also be scrutinized. Network signatures related to suspicious file uploads or XSS attempts can provide additional detection capabilities.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The REDCap vulnerability CVE-2025-23110 represents a critical area for security teams to focus on, as it highlights the need for rigorous input validation in user-uploaded files. This incident reflects a broader trend of increasing XSS vulnerabilities in web applications, necessitating a proactive approach to security.
Security teams should learn from this and implement thorough testing strategies, including penetration testing methodologies to identify and address vulnerabilities early in the development cycle.
This incident underscores the importance of regular security assessments and continuous monitoring. Organizations should also engage in vulnerability management programs to enhance their overall security posture.
In conclusion, organizations should remain vigilant and prioritize addressing vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-23110 to protect against potential attacks.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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