CVE-2023-41103 describes a stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in Interact version 7.9.79.5. Stored XSS vulnerabilities occur when an attacker is able to inject malicious JavaScript code into a web application in such a way that the payload is permanently stored on the server (e.g., in a database, message forum, comment field, or other persistent storage). When other users access the affected pages or components, the malicious script executes in their browsers under the context of the vulnerable application. This can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, unauthorized actions on behalf of the user, or distribution of malware. The vulnerability is reported to affect multiple locations within the Interact application, indicating that several input vectors may be insufficiently sanitized or validated. The lack of vendor and product details beyond the version number limits precise identification, but the core issue is the failure to properly encode or filter user-supplied input before rendering it in the web interface. No CVSS score has been assigned, and there are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication. The vulnerability was reserved in August 2023 and published in September 2023, indicating recent discovery. The absence of patch links suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available or disclosed. Stored XSS vulnerabilities are critical because they can affect all users who access the compromised content and can be leveraged for persistent attacks within an organization’s environment.

For European organizations using Interact 7.9.79.5, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of web-based services. Attackers exploiting stored XSS can steal session cookies, enabling unauthorized access to user accounts and potentially sensitive corporate data. They can also perform actions on behalf of users, leading to data manipulation or privilege escalation. In environments where Interact is integrated with other enterprise systems, the impact could cascade, affecting broader IT infrastructure. Additionally, the presence of malicious scripts can damage organizational reputation and violate data protection regulations such as GDPR if personal data is compromised. The lack of known exploits may reduce immediate risk, but the vulnerability’s nature means that once exploited, it can be difficult to detect and remediate. European organizations with public-facing or internally accessible Interact portals should consider this a high-risk issue due to the potential for widespread user impact and regulatory consequences.

Organizations should immediately conduct a thorough audit of all input fields and stored content within Interact 7.9.79.5 to identify where malicious scripts could be injected. Until an official patch is released, implement strict input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data, especially in areas known to be vulnerable. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts. Regularly scan the application and stored data for suspicious scripts using automated tools. Educate users about the risks of clicking on unexpected links or executing scripts. If possible, isolate the affected application from sensitive systems to limit lateral movement. Monitor logs for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts. Engage with the vendor or community to obtain updates or patches promptly. Finally, prepare an incident response plan tailored to XSS attacks to minimize damage if exploitation occurs.