CVE-2016-10762 in Event Ticketing Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The CampTix Event Ticketing plugin before 1.5 for WordPress allows CSV injection when the export tool is used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2023
The CampTix Event Ticketing plugin for WordPress contains a critical vulnerability that affects versions prior to 1.5, specifically related to its CSV export functionality. This vulnerability enables unauthorized users to inject malicious code into exported CSV files, creating a potential vector for various cyber attacks. The flaw exists within the plugin's data export mechanism where user-controllable input is not properly sanitized or escaped before being written to CSV format files. When event organizers or administrators export ticket data, the system fails to adequately validate or sanitize special characters that could be interpreted as formula commands by spreadsheet applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-15, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in data queries, and CWE-74, which covers injection flaws in data queries. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to craft malicious input that, when processed through the CSV export function, gets embedded into the exported file. When these files are opened in spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, the injected content can be interpreted as executable formulas, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or data exfiltration. The attack vector specifically targets the CSV injection weakness where special characters such as equals signs, plus signs, or minus signs at the beginning of cell content can trigger formula execution in spreadsheet applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or information disclosure. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute malicious commands on systems where the exported CSV files are opened, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects event organizers, ticketing platforms, and businesses that rely on CampTix for managing event registrations and ticket sales. The risk is amplified because CSV export functionality is commonly used for data analysis, reporting, and integration with other systems, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent. Organizations using vulnerable versions of the plugin face potential exposure to credential theft, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive event registration data.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates to version 1.5 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the CSV injection vulnerability. Security administrators should also implement additional protective measures such as restricting export functionality to trusted users only, implementing strict input validation for all user-controllable data, and monitoring export activities for suspicious patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059, which describes execution through command and scripting interpreters, as attackers could potentially leverage this weakness to execute malicious code through spreadsheet applications. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level protections and endpoint detection measures to identify and prevent exploitation attempts, while ensuring that CSV files are scanned for malicious content before being opened in spreadsheet applications. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other plugins and applications within the WordPress ecosystem.