CVE-2020-14026 in NG SMS Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
CSV Injection (aka Excel Macro Injection or Formula Injection) exists in the Export Of Contacts feature in Ozeki NG SMS Gateway through 4.17.6 via a value that is mishandled in a CSV export.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2020-14026 represents a critical CSV injection flaw in the Ozeki NG SMS Gateway software version 4.17.6 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the Export Of Contacts feature, where user-supplied data is improperly handled during CSV file generation. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious formulas or commands that execute when the exported CSV file is opened in spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. When these applications process the malformed CSV data, they interpret the injected content as executable formulas rather than plain text, creating a potential vector for arbitrary code execution or data theft.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output encoding within the CSV export functionality. When users export contact information containing special characters or formula prefixes such as equals signs, plus signs, or other spreadsheet command indicators, the application fails to properly escape or quote these values. This creates a condition where malicious payloads can be embedded within the CSV file structure and executed upon file opening. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-1236, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in a command or query, and specifically relates to the improper handling of input data during export operations. The flaw demonstrates a classic example of how web applications fail to properly validate and sanitize data before exporting it to formats that support execution contexts.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-14026 extends beyond simple data corruption, presenting significant security risks to organizations using the Ozeki NG SMS Gateway. An attacker with access to the system or the ability to influence contact data can craft malicious CSV files that, when opened by unsuspecting users, could execute harmful code on target systems. This attack vector can be leveraged for phishing campaigns, data exfiltration, or as a stepping stone for further system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the intersection of social engineering and technical exploitation, where users are often unaware of the security implications of opening seemingly innocuous CSV files. The attack surface is broad since the vulnerability affects any user who can export contact data from the gateway system, potentially compromising entire organizational networks if the exported files are shared or opened by multiple users.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied data before CSV export operations, ensuring that special characters are properly escaped or quoted according to CSV standards. The recommended approach involves implementing proper data encoding techniques such as prefixing formulas with single quotes or using CSV escaping mechanisms that prevent spreadsheet applications from interpreting injected content as commands. System administrators should also consider restricting CSV export capabilities to privileged users only and implementing file access controls on exported data. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening CSV files from untrusted sources should be emphasized, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing exploitation of data export functionality, particularly in applications that interface with spreadsheet applications that support formula execution.