CVE-2022-25646 in x-data-spreadsheet
Summary
by MITRE • 08/30/2022
All versions of package x-data-spreadsheet are vulnerable to Cross-site Scripting (XSS) due to missing sanitization of values inserted into the cells.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-25646 affects the x-data-spreadsheet package, a popular JavaScript library for creating spreadsheet interfaces in web applications. This package is widely used in enterprise environments and web-based data processing tools where users can input and manipulate data through spreadsheet-like interfaces. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the library's core functionality, specifically when handling data entered into spreadsheet cells. Security researchers have identified that the library fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within the spreadsheet interface, creating a persistent cross-site scripting attack vector that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests when user input containing malicious script code is entered into spreadsheet cells without proper sanitization. The x-data-spreadsheet library processes this unvalidated input directly into the DOM without implementing adequate security measures such as HTML escaping or content security policy enforcement. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers when they view the spreadsheet containing the malicious data. The vulnerability is classified as a classic XSS flaw, specifically falling under CWE-79 which represents "Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')". The attack can be executed through various vectors including direct input injection, file upload scenarios, or through manipulated data feeds that the library processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or display issues. When exploited, the XSS vulnerability can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within affected networks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code in victims' browsers, potentially gaining access to sensitive corporate data or using the compromised browser sessions to perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. This threat is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where the x-data-spreadsheet library is integrated into critical business applications such as financial systems, data analysis platforms, or collaborative workspaces. The vulnerability affects all versions of the package, indicating that organizations using this library across their applications are potentially exposed to this risk, regardless of their current software version.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of the x-data-spreadsheet package if available, implementing strict input validation at application boundaries, and applying content security policies to prevent script execution. Security measures should include HTML escaping of all user inputs, implementing proper output encoding, and establishing input sanitization routines before any data is processed by the spreadsheet library. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of all applications utilizing this library, implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and establish monitoring procedures to identify potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" as attackers can leverage the XSS to execute malicious JavaScript code through the spreadsheet interface, making it a critical threat requiring immediate attention and remediation.