CVE-2023-49453 is a reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in Racktables version 0.22.0 and earlier. Racktables is an open-source IP address management and data center asset management tool used to document hardware assets, network addresses, and related infrastructure. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input sanitization in the search component of the index.php page. Specifically, an attacker can craft a malicious URL containing a payload that is reflected back in the search results without proper encoding or validation. This allows the execution of arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-79, indicating improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.1 (medium severity), with the vector indicating that the attack can be performed remotely over the network (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R) such as clicking a malicious link. The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. The impact affects confidentiality and integrity (C:L/I:L) but not availability (A:N). Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability could be leveraged by local attackers or remote attackers who can trick users into clicking malicious links to execute scripts that steal session tokens, perform actions on behalf of the user, or disclose sensitive information. Since Racktables is often deployed internally within enterprise networks for infrastructure management, exploitation could lead to unauthorized access or data leakage within the organization.

For European organizations using Racktables for IP address and asset management, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information and potential session hijacking. Attackers exploiting this XSS flaw could gain access to internal network details, configuration data, or user credentials, which could facilitate further lateral movement or targeted attacks. Given that Racktables is typically used by IT and network administrators, compromise could undermine trust in network management tools and disrupt operational security. The reflected XSS could also be used as a vector to deliver malware or conduct phishing attacks within the organization. Although the vulnerability requires user interaction, the risk is elevated in environments where users frequently access the Racktables web interface. The medium severity rating reflects moderate impact but the potential for escalation if combined with other vulnerabilities or social engineering tactics. European entities in sectors with critical infrastructure or regulated environments (e.g., finance, energy, telecommunications) could face compliance and reputational risks if such vulnerabilities are exploited.

To mitigate CVE-2023-49453, organizations should: 1) Upgrade Racktables to a version where this vulnerability is patched once available. Since no patch links are currently provided, monitor official Racktables repositories and security advisories for updates. 2) Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious input patterns targeting the search component, particularly those containing script tags or encoded payloads. 3) Enforce strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of inline scripts and reduce the impact of XSS attacks. 4) Educate users and administrators to avoid clicking on untrusted links, especially those purporting to be from internal management tools. 5) Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on web interfaces of internal tools. 6) Limit access to Racktables interfaces to trusted networks and authenticated users, using VPNs or network segmentation to reduce exposure. 7) Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for accessing Racktables to mitigate session hijacking risks. These targeted measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific vulnerable component and operational context of Racktables deployments.