CVE-2018-7201 in ProjectSend
Summary
by MITRE
CSV Injection was discovered in ProjectSend before r1053, affecting victims who import the data into Microsoft Excel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2018-7201 represents a critical csv injection flaw in ProjectSend version prior to r1053 that specifically targets users importing data into Microsoft Excel environments. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of data exported to csv format, creating a vector for malicious code execution through spreadsheet applications. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it exploits the trust users place in spreadsheet applications and their automatic interpretation of certain csv data patterns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of csv data fields that contain specific characters or patterns which Excel interprets as formulas or commands. When ProjectSend exports data to csv format, it fails to properly escape or sanitize special characters such as equals signs, plus signs, minus signs, or other formula indicators that Excel might interpret as executable commands. This allows an attacker to craft malicious csv entries that, when opened in Excel, could trigger unintended operations including formula execution, external command invocation, or data exfiltration.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using ProjectSend for file management and data export operations. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction beyond opening a csv file in Excel, making it particularly dangerous for social engineering campaigns. The impact extends beyond simple data corruption to potentially enable full system compromise through command execution, data theft, or lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects the entire user base of ProjectSend installations prior to the patched version, making it a widespread concern for organizations relying on this file sharing platform.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-1236, which specifically addresses insufficient input validation in csv data export scenarios, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The mitigation strategy requires immediate patching of ProjectSend installations to version r1053 or later, while organizations should implement csv export sanitization measures and educate users about the risks of opening untrusted csv files in spreadsheet applications. Additional protective measures include implementing csv file validation policies, restricting user privileges for file operations, and monitoring for suspicious csv data patterns in network traffic or file system activities.