Description
ChurchCRM is an open-source church management system. A stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability exists in ChurchCRM versions 6.4.0 and prior that allows a low-privilege user with the “Manage Groups” permission to inject persistent JavaScript into group role names. The payload is saved in the database and executed whenever any user (including administrators) views a page that displays that role, such as GroupView.php or PersonView.php. This allows full session hijacking and account takeover. As of time of publication, no known patched versions are available.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-203993
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability described in EUVD-2025-203993 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) issue in ChurchCRM, an open-source church management system. This vulnerability allows a low-privilege user with "Manage Groups" permission to inject persistent JavaScript into group role names. The injected script is saved in the database and executed whenever any user, including administrators, views a page that displays that role, such as GroupView.php or PersonView.php.
Severity Evaluation:
- Base Score: 9.3 (Critical)
- Base Score Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:L/SC:H/SI:H/SA:L
The high base score indicates a critical vulnerability due to the potential for full session hijacking and account takeover. The attack complexity is low, and the attack vector is network-based, making it highly exploitable.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Low-Privilege User Exploitation: A user with "Manage Groups" permission can inject malicious JavaScript into group role names.
- Persistent Execution: The injected script is stored in the database and executed whenever the role name is displayed, affecting all users who view the compromised pages.
Exploitation Methods:
- Session Hijacking: The attacker can inject a script that steals session cookies, allowing them to hijack user sessions.
- Account Takeover: By executing malicious scripts, the attacker can perform actions on behalf of the victim, including changing account settings or extracting sensitive information.
- Data Exfiltration: The attacker can exfiltrate sensitive data by sending it to a remote server controlled by the attacker.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Software:
- ChurchCRM versions 6.4.0 and prior.
Affected Systems:
- Any system running the vulnerable versions of ChurchCRM, including servers hosting the application and client devices accessing it.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
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Immediate Mitigation:
- Disable "Manage Groups" Permission: Temporarily disable the "Manage Groups" permission for low-privilege users until a patch is available.
- Input Sanitization: Implement input sanitization and validation to prevent malicious scripts from being injected.
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Long-Term Mitigation:
- Update to Patched Version: Once available, update to a patched version of ChurchCRM that addresses this vulnerability.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and code reviews to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
- Content Security Policy (CSP): Implement a strong CSP to mitigate the impact of XSS attacks.
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User Education:
- Awareness Training: Educate users about the risks of XSS attacks and the importance of reporting suspicious activities.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability in ChurchCRM poses a significant risk to organizations using this software, particularly churches and religious institutions that rely on it for management purposes. The potential for session hijacking and account takeover can lead to data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage. Given the widespread use of ChurchCRM in Europe, this vulnerability underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures and regular updates to open-source software.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- Type: Stored XSS
- Location: Group role names in ChurchCRM
- Impact: Persistent JavaScript execution leading to session hijacking and account takeover
Detection and Response:
- Monitoring: Implement monitoring for suspicious activities, such as unusual script executions or data exfiltration attempts.
- Logging: Ensure comprehensive logging of user activities and review logs regularly for signs of exploitation.
- Incident Response: Develop an incident response plan that includes steps for identifying, containing, and remediating XSS attacks.
References:
- GitHub Advisory: GHSA-j9gv-26c7-3qrh
Conclusion: The stored XSS vulnerability in ChurchCRM versions 6.4.0 and prior is a critical issue that requires immediate attention. Organizations should implement temporary mitigations and prepare for a patched version to ensure the security of their systems and data. Regular security audits and user education are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.