CVE-2017-1000039 in Framadate
Summary
by MITRE
Framadate version 1.0 is vulnerable to Formula Injection in the CSV Export resulting possible Information Disclosure and Code Execution
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2022
Framadate version 1.0 contains a critical formula injection vulnerability in its CSV export functionality that poses significant security risks to users and organizations. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization when processing user-supplied data within the spreadsheet export mechanism. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious formulas that can execute arbitrary code or disclose sensitive information when the exported CSV files are opened in spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel or LibreOffice Calc. The vulnerability specifically affects the CSV export feature where user input is directly incorporated into spreadsheet formulas without proper escaping or validation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from CWE-15 which describes improper neutralization of data within a formula context. When users create polls or surveys within Framadate, they can input data that gets exported to CSV format. If malicious input containing spreadsheet formulas such as =cmd|' /C calc'!A0 is included in the data, these formulas can be executed when the CSV file is opened in spreadsheet applications. This represents a classic case of command injection in spreadsheet contexts where the application fails to properly escape or sanitize user input before incorporating it into formula fields. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through social engineering attacks where attackers trick users into opening malicious CSV files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable full system compromise. When victims open the malicious CSV files in spreadsheet applications, the embedded formulas can execute arbitrary commands on the victim's system with the privileges of the user who opened the file. This could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, system exploitation, or even remote code execution depending on the target environment and user privileges. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Framadate for polling and survey functionality, particularly those in sectors handling sensitive information where data breaches could have severe financial and reputational consequences. The attack vector is relatively simple to exploit and can be automated through phishing campaigns or social engineering tactics, making it a significant risk to end users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Framadate to version 1.0.1 or later which addresses the input sanitization issues in the CSV export functionality. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to restrict access to spreadsheet applications from potentially malicious files and educate users about the dangers of opening untrusted CSV files. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of web applications and ensure proper input validation is implemented across all user-facing data entry points. The fix should include comprehensive sanitization of user input to prevent formula injection by escaping special characters and implementing proper data validation before any data is incorporated into spreadsheet formulas. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of potentially dangerous formulas in spreadsheet applications. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in application design. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique involving command and control through spreadsheet applications and should be monitored as part of broader cybersecurity defense strategies.