CVE-2023-28151 in JSpreadsheet
Summary
by MITRE • 03/24/2023
An issue was discovered in Independentsoft JSpreadsheet before 1.1.110. The API is prone to XML external entity (XXE) injection via a remote DTD in a DOCX file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-28151 affects Independentsoft JSpreadsheet versions prior to 1.1.110 and represents a critical XML external entity injection flaw that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or access sensitive information. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes DOCX files that contain remote DTD references, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through XML parsing mechanisms. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of external entities within the XML processing pipeline, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users can upload or import documents from untrusted sources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the XML external entity processing capabilities that are inherent in many document parsing libraries. When JSpreadsheet encounters a DOCX file containing a remote DTD reference, the application's XML parser attempts to resolve external entities, including those that might point to malicious remote servers or local files. This behavior aligns with CWE-611, which classifies the weakness as improper restriction of XML external entity reference, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices for XML processing. The vulnerability can be exploited to perform server-side request forgery attacks, access internal network resources, or even execute arbitrary commands on the affected system, depending on the configuration and permissions of the target environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-28151 extends beyond simple data theft or system compromise, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access points within network environments. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on document processing capabilities, as it can be triggered through seemingly benign file uploads or imports, making it difficult to detect and prevent. The attack vector operates through the standard document processing workflow where users might unknowingly trigger the vulnerability by opening or importing a malicious DOCX file, which then prompts the XML parser to fetch external resources. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users have broad document processing capabilities and where automated processing of documents occurs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-28151 should focus on immediate software updates to version 1.1.110 or later, which contain proper XML entity handling and validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to prevent outbound connections to untrusted domains during document processing, effectively blocking the resolution of external DTD references. The implementation of XML parsers with disabled external entity processing and proper input sanitization represents the most effective defense measures, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for data from information repositories and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. Additional protective measures include restricting user privileges for document processing functions, implementing strict file type validation, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious XML patterns, thereby reducing the attack surface and preventing exploitation attempts.