CVE-2022-21241 in CSV+
Summary
by MITRE • 02/08/2022
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in CSV+ prior to 0.8.1 allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to inject an arbitrary script or an arbitrary OS command via a specially crafted CSV file that contains HTML a tag.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-21241 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the CSV+ application version 0.8.1 and earlier. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms when processing CSV files that contain HTML elements, specifically the a tag which enables attackers to embed malicious scripts or commands. The vulnerability affects the web application's ability to properly handle user-supplied data, creating an avenue for remote code execution and session hijacking attacks. The flaw exists in the application's data processing pipeline where CSV content is parsed and rendered without adequate security controls to prevent malicious payload injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the application's failure to properly escape or sanitize HTML characters within CSV data during processing. When a specially crafted CSV file containing HTML a tags with embedded JavaScript or OS commands is uploaded, the system fails to validate or sanitize these inputs before rendering them in the web interface. This represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability classified under CWE-79, which specifically addresses the improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to complete session compromise and data exfiltration. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication, making it accessible to any remote user who can submit a malicious CSV file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple XSS exploitation to include potential command execution capabilities that could allow attackers to compromise the underlying operating system. When the CSV+ application processes files containing malicious OS commands within HTML a tags, it may execute these commands with the privileges of the web application process. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on CSV+ for data processing, as attackers could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, escalate privileges, or disrupt system operations. The vulnerability affects the application's integrity and availability, as malicious actors could use it to corrupt data or cause denial of service conditions. Organizations using affected versions of CSV+ face potential data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and operational disruptions that could result in substantial financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-21241 should prioritize immediate patching of the CSV+ application to version 0.8.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict CSV file validation processes that prevent HTML content from being processed or rendered within the application interface. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious CSV file uploads containing HTML tags or script elements. Input sanitization should be enforced at multiple layers including application code validation, database level filtering, and content security policy implementation. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the potential for command execution through crafted input files. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege controls and monitoring for unusual CSV file processing activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.