CVE-2019-20184 in KeePass
Summary
by MITRE
KeePass 2.4.1 allows CSV injection in the title field of a CSV export.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2024
KeePass version 2.4.1 contains a critical csv injection vulnerability that affects the csv export functionality of the password manager. This vulnerability exists within the title field processing during csv export operations, allowing attackers to inject malicious csv formulas that execute when the exported file is opened in spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel or LibreOffice Calc. The flaw stems from insufficient input sanitization and validation of title field data before export, creating a vector for code execution through csv formula injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic csv injection pattern where attacker-controlled data in the title field can contain csv formula prefixes such as equals sign followed by malicious commands. When the exported csv file is opened in spreadsheet applications, these formulas are interpreted as executable commands rather than plain text, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the victim's system. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-1236, which addresses the improper handling of csv injection in spreadsheet applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.006 for execution through command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges through automated spreadsheet opening processes, potentially leading to full system compromise. Attackers can craft malicious title entries that when exported and opened in spreadsheet applications can trigger downloads of additional malware, execute system commands, or establish reverse shells. The vulnerability affects all users who export password databases to csv format, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where csv exports are commonly used for data migration or backup purposes. The risk is amplified because the vulnerability is not limited to specific user actions but can be exploited through automated processes during normal password management workflows.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to KeePass version 2.4.2 or later where the csv injection issue has been resolved through proper input sanitization and escaping of special csv characters. Administrators should implement strict csv export policies and educate users about the risks of opening untrusted csv files in spreadsheet applications. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated csv file scanning and validation processes for exported data. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in export functions and highlights the need for security considerations in data format handling, particularly when dealing with formats that have execution semantics like csv. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can further reduce the attack surface by limiting the ability of malicious csv files to execute harmful commands when opened by users.