CVE-2020-7049 in Networks OS
Summary
by MITRE
Nozomi Networks OS before 19.0.4 allows /#/network?tab=network_node_list.html CSV Injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7049 affects Nozomi Networks OS versions prior to 19.0.4 and relates to a CSV injection flaw within the web interface. This issue specifically manifests in the network node list functionality where the system fails to properly sanitize user input before exporting data to CSV format. The vulnerability occurs when users navigate to the network node list page and attempt to export the displayed information, creating a potential attack vector through maliciously crafted input that could be interpreted as executable code by spreadsheet applications.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the web application's CSV export functionality. When the system processes user-supplied data for export, it does not adequately filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as formula commands by spreadsheet applications such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. This allows an attacker to inject malicious formulas that execute when the CSV file is opened in a spreadsheet application, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution or data exfiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation as it represents a significant security risk in network management environments. Attackers could exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary commands on systems running the affected Nozomi Networks OS, particularly when targets open the exported CSV files in spreadsheet applications. The vulnerability affects network administrators who rely on these exports for monitoring and reporting purposes, creating a potential attack surface that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or lateral movement within network infrastructure.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-1236, which addresses the improper neutralization of special elements used in a CSV file, and falls under the broader category of command injection attacks. The attack pattern follows typical techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.006 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage spreadsheet applications to execute malicious code. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics consistent with T1566 for spearphishing with a malicious file, as attackers could craft malicious CSV files that appear legitimate to network administrators.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Nozomi Networks OS version 19.0.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches for this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include disabling CSV export functionality when not required, implementing network segmentation to limit access to affected systems, and educating network administrators about the risks of opening untrusted CSV files in spreadsheet applications. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual export activities and potential attempts to manipulate network node data. The vulnerability underscores the importance of input validation in web applications and the critical need for proper sanitization of data before export operations to prevent formula injection attacks in spreadsheet environments.