CVE-2022-38844 in EspoCRM
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2022
CSV Injection in Create Contacts in EspoCRM 7.1.8 allows remote authenticated users to run system commands via creating contacts with payloads capable of executing system commands. Admin user exporting contacts in CSV file may end up executing the malicious system commands on his system.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2022
CVE-2022-38844 represents a critical csv injection vulnerability within EspoCRM version 7.1.8 that enables authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary system commands through contact creation. This flaw exists in the contact management functionality where users can create contacts with maliciously crafted data that gets processed during csv export operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of contact data fields, particularly those that might contain special characters or command sequences that could be interpreted by csv parsers. When an administrator exports contacts to csv format, the malicious payloads embedded in contact records are executed within the context of the exporting user's privileges, potentially allowing full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, and specifically relates to command injection flaws that occur when user-supplied data is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization. The attack vector requires an authenticated user account with contact creation privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might have elevated permissions or where account compromise is possible. The vulnerability manifests during csv export operations when the system processes contact records containing malicious payloads such as formula-based commands that start with equals signs or other special characters commonly used in csv injection attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-38844 extends beyond simple data manipulation as it provides a pathway for remote code execution that could result in complete system compromise. An attacker with access to create contacts can embed malicious code within contact fields that executes when administrators export contact data to csv format. This creates a persistent threat vector where malicious actors can establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or perform other malicious activities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate system functionality to achieve its objectives, making detection more difficult and potentially allowing attackers to maintain persistence within the system. The risk is amplified when administrators regularly export contact data, as this creates multiple opportunities for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-38844 should focus on input validation and sanitization of contact data fields, implementing strict filtering of special characters that could be used in csv injection attacks. Organizations should immediately upgrade to EspoCRM versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as the maintainers have released patches to resolve the issue. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls can help limit the impact of successful exploitation, while monitoring systems should be implemented to detect unusual csv export activities. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security scanning tools can help identify and block malicious payloads before they can be processed. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in applications that handle user-generated content and export functionality, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, which are commonly used in post-exploitation phases of attacks targeting such vulnerabilities.