CVE-2025-7053 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in Cockpit, a web-based server management interface widely used for administering Linux servers. The vulnerability affects Cockpit versions up to 2.11.3 and involves improper sanitization of user-supplied input in the /system/users/save endpoint, specifically in the 'name' and 'email' parameters. An attacker can craft malicious input that, when processed by the vulnerable endpoint, results in the execution of arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the victim's browser. This vulnerability is remotely exploitable without authentication, requiring only user interaction, such as an administrator or user visiting a maliciously crafted page or link. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.1 (medium severity), reflecting the network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction and limited impact on confidentiality and integrity. The vendor has addressed the issue promptly by releasing version 2.11.4, which includes a patch (commit bdcd5e3bc651c0839c7eea807f3eb6af856dbc76) that properly sanitizes input to prevent script injection. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. Given Cockpit's role in server management, successful exploitation could allow attackers to hijack administrative sessions, steal credentials, or perform actions on behalf of the user, potentially leading to further compromise of managed systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to IT infrastructure teams using Cockpit for server management. Exploitation could lead to session hijacking or credential theft of administrators, undermining the confidentiality and integrity of server management operations. This could result in unauthorized changes to server configurations, deployment of malicious code, or disruption of critical services. Organizations in sectors with high reliance on Linux server infrastructure—such as finance, telecommunications, government, and critical infrastructure—may face increased risk. Additionally, the need for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to trigger the exploit. While the vulnerability does not directly allow remote code execution or system compromise without further steps, it can serve as an initial vector for more sophisticated attacks targeting sensitive systems. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently limits immediate widespread impact, but the availability of a patch underscores the importance of timely remediation to prevent potential exploitation.

European organizations should prioritize upgrading Cockpit installations to version 2.11.4 or later to apply the official patch that addresses this XSS vulnerability. In addition to patching, organizations should implement the following measures: 1) Conduct user awareness training focused on recognizing phishing and social engineering attempts that could trigger malicious links exploiting this vulnerability. 2) Restrict access to the Cockpit management interface using network segmentation, VPNs, or IP whitelisting to limit exposure to trusted users only. 3) Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers on the Cockpit web interface to reduce the impact of potential XSS by restricting script execution sources. 4) Monitor web server and application logs for unusual requests to the /system/users/save endpoint that may indicate exploitation attempts. 5) Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for Cockpit access to reduce the risk of credential compromise leading to further system access. 6) Regularly audit and review user accounts and permissions within Cockpit to minimize the attack surface. These steps, combined with prompt patching, will significantly reduce the risk posed by this vulnerability.