CVE-2018-25135 in AIM CrossChex Standard
Summary
by MITRE • 12/24/2025
Anviz AIM CrossChex Standard 4.3.6.0 contains a CSV injection vulnerability that allows attackers to execute commands by inserting malicious formulas in user import fields. Attackers can craft payloads in fields like 'Name', 'Gender', or 'Position' to trigger Excel macro execution when importing user data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2025
The CVE-2018-25135 vulnerability represents a critical csv injection flaw within the Anviz AIM CrossChex Standard version 4.3.6.0, a biometric access control system widely deployed in enterprise and government environments. This vulnerability falls under the category of command injection and input validation failures, specifically manifesting as a dangerous intersection between data import functionality and spreadsheet formula execution. The flaw exploits the system's failure to properly sanitize user input during CSV data imports, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious formulas that can execute arbitrary commands when the imported data is opened in spreadsheet applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of user import fields within the CrossChex system, particularly targeting fields such as 'Name', 'Gender', or 'Position' where user data is entered. When an attacker crafts malicious input containing spreadsheet formulas prefixed with characters like equals signs or plus signs, these inputs are interpreted by Excel and other spreadsheet applications as executable commands rather than plain text. The vulnerability specifically leverages the automatic formula interpretation feature of Microsoft Excel and similar applications, where cells beginning with certain characters are automatically processed as formulas. This creates a dangerous scenario where legitimate user data import processes become vectors for malicious code execution, as demonstrated through the exploitation of the CSV injection technique.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-25135 extends beyond simple command execution to encompass complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive biometric data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious payloads including macros, remote code execution, or data exfiltration scripts, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where the CrossChex system manages access control for critical infrastructure, as it could enable attackers to bypass physical security measures and gain unauthorized entry to protected facilities. This represents a significant threat to both physical and digital security frameworks, as the vulnerability bridges the gap between user management systems and spreadsheet-based data processing.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader attack patterns documented in the mitre att&ck framework, particularly under the execution and privilege escalation categories. The vulnerability aligns with common attack techniques such as social engineering through spreadsheet manipulation and supply chain attacks targeting administrative tools. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense including input validation, spreadsheet security configurations, and network segmentation to mitigate the risk. The weakness directly corresponds to cwe-74 and cwe-94 categories, representing code injection and improper neutralization of special elements used in a command. Effective mitigation strategies include implementing strict data validation protocols, disabling automatic formula interpretation in imported spreadsheets, and conducting regular security assessments of third-party applications that handle user data imports.