CVE-2025-59873 Overview
An information exposure vulnerability exists in HCL Software ZIE for Web. The application transmits sensitive session tokens and authentication identifiers within URL query parameters. An attacker who gains access to any network log or operates a site linked from the application can hijack user sessions.
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-598 (Use of GET Request Method With Sensitive Query Strings), which occurs when sensitive information is passed through URL parameters rather than through more secure channels like POST request bodies or headers.
Critical Impact
Session tokens and authentication identifiers exposed in URL query parameters can be captured through browser history, server logs, proxy logs, or referrer headers, enabling session hijacking attacks.
Affected Products
- HCL Software ZIE for Web v16
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-02-23 - CVE-2025-59873 published to NVD
- 2026-02-26 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-59873
Vulnerability Analysis
This information exposure vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive authentication data in HCL Software ZIE for Web. When the application transmits session tokens and authentication identifiers as URL query parameters, these sensitive values become exposed through multiple channels that would otherwise not have access to such credentials.
The vulnerability presents a network-based attack vector that requires user interaction but no authentication. While exploitation requires specific conditions (such as access to network logs or control of a linked site), successful attacks can result in high confidentiality impact through session hijacking and potential low integrity impact through unauthorized actions performed as the victim user.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is the use of GET request methods with sensitive query strings (CWE-598). Instead of transmitting authentication tokens through secure channels such as HTTP POST request bodies, secure cookies with appropriate flags, or HTTP headers, the application appends these sensitive values directly to URLs as query parameters.
This design flaw exposes session tokens through:
- Browser history and bookmarks
- Web server access logs
- Proxy server logs
- Network traffic monitoring
- HTTP Referer headers when navigating to external sites
- Browser extensions with URL access permissions
Attack Vector
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based and requires user interaction. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability through several scenarios:
Referer Header Leakage: When a user clicks a link to an external site from within the ZIE for Web application, the browser may include the full URL with session tokens in the Referer header sent to the external site.
Network Log Access: Attackers with access to web server logs, proxy logs, or network monitoring tools can extract session tokens from logged URLs.
Browser History Exploitation: Malware or malicious browser extensions can harvest session tokens from the browser's history.
Shoulder Surfing: URLs containing session tokens may be visible in the browser's address bar, making them susceptible to visual observation.
The vulnerability requires the attacker to obtain access to one of these exposure points, after which they can replay the captured session tokens to impersonate legitimate users.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-59873
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual session activity from IP addresses that differ from the original authenticated user's location
- Multiple concurrent sessions using the same session token from different geographic locations
- Suspicious access patterns in web server logs showing session token reuse
- Evidence of session tokens appearing in Referer headers in logs from external sites
Detection Strategies
- Monitor web application logs for session tokens appearing in URL query strings
- Implement anomaly detection for sessions that suddenly change IP addresses or user agents
- Review proxy and firewall logs for outbound requests containing authentication tokens in URLs
- Deploy web application firewalls (WAF) with rules to detect sensitive data in URL parameters
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive logging for authentication events and session management
- Configure SIEM solutions to alert on potential session hijacking indicators
- Monitor for unusual patterns of Referer headers containing session tokens
- Implement real-time alerting for session anomalies such as geographic impossibilities
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-59873
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade HCL Software ZIE for Web to a patched version when available
- Review and audit all network logs, proxy logs, and web server logs to identify potential session token exposure
- Force session regeneration for all active users to invalidate potentially compromised tokens
- Implement additional session validation controls such as IP binding or user agent verification where operationally feasible
Patch Information
HCL Software has published information regarding this vulnerability. Refer to the HCL Software Knowledge Base Article for official guidance on remediation steps and available patches.
Organizations should contact HCL Software support for specific patch availability and upgrade instructions for ZIE for Web v16.
Workarounds
- Implement a reverse proxy or web application firewall to strip sensitive parameters from URLs before logging
- Enable HTTPS with HSTS to prevent token interception in transit
- Configure Referrer-Policy headers to prevent session token leakage to external sites
- Reduce session token validity periods to minimize the window of opportunity for session hijacking
- Implement additional authentication factors or session binding controls to limit the impact of token theft
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
