CVE-2025-28244 is a security vulnerability identified in Alteryx Server version 2023.1.1.460. The issue stems from insecure permissions set on the localStorage used by the application, which allows remote attackers to access valid user session tokens stored in localStorage. Since session tokens are critical for maintaining authenticated sessions, unauthorized access to these tokens can lead to account takeover attacks. The vulnerability arises because localStorage, a web browser feature for storing data locally on the client side, is not properly protected, enabling attackers to retrieve session tokens remotely. This could happen through various attack vectors such as cross-site scripting (XSS) or other means that allow an attacker to execute code in the victim's browser context. Once an attacker obtains a valid session token, they can impersonate the legitimate user without needing to know their credentials, thereby gaining unauthorized access to the Alteryx Server environment. The vulnerability does not have a CVSS score assigned yet, and there are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication. However, the impact of such a vulnerability is significant given the sensitive nature of data and workflows typically managed by Alteryx Server, which is widely used for data analytics and business intelligence. The lack of patch information suggests that remediation may still be pending or in development. Organizations using the affected version should consider this a critical security risk due to the potential for account compromise and subsequent unauthorized data access or manipulation.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could be substantial. Alteryx Server is often used in sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government, where sensitive data processing and analytics are routine. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to sensitive datasets, analytics workflows, and potentially manipulate or exfiltrate data. This could lead to breaches of personal data protected under GDPR, resulting in legal and financial penalties. Additionally, account takeover could allow attackers to disrupt business operations, alter analytics results, or use compromised accounts as a foothold for further network intrusion. The risk is heightened in environments where multi-factor authentication is not enforced or where session management policies are weak. Since the vulnerability involves client-side storage, users accessing Alteryx Server from less secure or shared devices may be at increased risk. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for mitigation, but the potential for future exploitation necessitates urgent attention.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should take several specific actions beyond generic advice: 1) Immediately audit and restrict permissions on localStorage usage within Alteryx Server environments, ensuring session tokens are not stored in localStorage or are stored securely with encryption and proper access controls. 2) Implement strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to reduce the risk of cross-site scripting attacks that could expose localStorage data. 3) Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all user accounts to reduce the impact of stolen session tokens. 4) Review and enhance session management policies, including reducing session lifetimes and implementing token invalidation on logout or after inactivity. 5) Monitor user sessions and access logs for unusual activity indicative of session hijacking. 6) Isolate Alteryx Server access to trusted networks or VPNs where possible to limit exposure. 7) Engage with Alteryx support or security teams to obtain patches or updates addressing this vulnerability as soon as they become available. 8) Educate users about the risks of using shared or public devices to access sensitive applications. These targeted measures will help reduce the risk of exploitation and limit potential damage.