CVE-2022-1194 in Mobile Events Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2022
The Mobile Events Manager WordPress plugin before 1.4.8 does not properly escape the Enquiry source field when exporting events, or the Paid for field when exporting transactions as CSV, leading to a CSV injection vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2022
The Mobile Events Manager WordPress plugin version 1.4.8 and earlier contains a critical CSV injection vulnerability that stems from improper input sanitization during data export operations. This vulnerability affects the plugin's ability to properly escape special characters in user-supplied data when generating CSV files for event enquiries and transaction records. The flaw exists specifically in how the plugin handles the Enquiry source field during event exports and the Paid for field during transaction exports, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted input data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-1236, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in a CSV file. When users export event data or transaction records, the plugin fails to properly sanitize the Enquiry source and Paid for fields, allowing special characters such as equals signs, plus signs, minus signs, and tab characters to be interpreted by spreadsheet applications as formula commands rather than plain text. This creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious formulas that execute when the CSV file is opened in applications like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or other spreadsheet software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it enables a range of malicious activities that can compromise user systems and data integrity. When an attacker crafts a malicious entry in the Enquiry source field containing a formula like =cmd|' /C calc'!, the spreadsheet application will execute this command upon opening the CSV file, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the victim's system. This vulnerability also enables phishing attacks where attackers can create CSV files that automatically redirect users to malicious websites or attempt to download and execute malware. The risk is particularly elevated when administrators or users regularly download and open exported CSV files from the plugin, as these files become potential attack vectors for social engineering campaigns.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.005, which describes the use of command and scripting interpreter for execution. Attackers can leverage the CSV injection to deliver payloads that execute in the context of the spreadsheet application, potentially bypassing traditional security controls that monitor network traffic or file downloads. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which covers spearphishing via email, as attackers can distribute malicious CSV files through email campaigns targeting users who regularly access exported event data.
Organizations should immediately update to Mobile Events Manager plugin version 1.4.8 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as the patch implements proper input sanitization and escaping mechanisms for all exported fields. Additional mitigation strategies include implementing strict access controls for the plugin's export functionality, monitoring user activity for suspicious data entries, and educating users about the risks of opening CSV files from untrusted sources. Network administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of potentially malicious formulas in spreadsheet applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly when dealing with data export features that generate files for external consumption.