CVE-2023-37476 in OpenRefine
Summary
by MITRE • 07/18/2023
OpenRefine is a free, open source tool for data processing. A carefully crafted malicious OpenRefine project tar file can be used to trigger arbitrary code execution in the context of the OpenRefine process if a user can be convinced to import it. The vulnerability exists in all versions of OpenRefine up to and including 3.7.3. Users should update to OpenRefine 3.7.4 as soon as possible. Users unable to upgrade should only import OpenRefine projects from trusted sources.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37476 represents a critical arbitrary code execution flaw within OpenRefine, a widely-used open-source data processing tool that facilitates data cleaning and transformation tasks for analysts and researchers. This security weakness resides in the software's project import mechanism, where maliciously crafted tar files can be exploited to execute unauthorized code within the context of the OpenRefine process. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 3.7.3, making it a significant concern for users who have not yet updated their installations. The flaw specifically targets the project import functionality, which is a fundamental feature of OpenRefine that allows users to load and work with data processing projects. The security implications are particularly severe because the exploit requires only social engineering to convince users to import a malicious project file, making it difficult to prevent through technical means alone.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the OpenRefine project import system. When users attempt to import a tar file containing an OpenRefine project, the application processes the file contents without adequate verification of the archive's integrity or contents. This allows attackers to craft malicious project files that contain code or references that will be executed when the project is loaded. The flaw aligns with CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload or import vulnerabilities where applications accept files from untrusted sources without proper validation. The attack vector leverages the trust users place in project files, as OpenRefine's legitimate use case involves importing and sharing project configurations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical sophistication from attackers, as they only need to create a specially crafted tar file that will be executed when imported, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently share and import projects.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-37476 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to compromise entire systems where OpenRefine is installed. Since the malicious code executes within the context of the OpenRefine process, attackers can potentially access system resources, read sensitive data, install additional malware, or establish persistent access. The vulnerability affects users who handle sensitive data, which is common in research environments, data science teams, and organizations processing confidential information. The risk is amplified by the fact that many users may not be aware of the potential threat when importing projects from colleagues or sharing repositories. This vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, and T1566 for social engineering, as it relies on user interaction to deliver the payload. Organizations using OpenRefine in production environments face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations if they continue to operate vulnerable versions.
The recommended mitigation strategy centers on immediate software upgrading to OpenRefine version 3.7.4, which contains the necessary patches to address the vulnerability. This update resolves the input validation issues that allowed malicious project files to execute arbitrary code. Users who cannot immediately upgrade should implement strict import policies, limiting project imports to trusted sources only and conducting thorough verification of project contents before importing. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level controls to prevent the download and execution of untrusted project files, as well as establishing security awareness training to educate users about the risks of importing project files from unknown sources. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure software development practices, particularly in applications that process user-generated content, and demonstrates how seemingly benign features like project sharing can become attack vectors when proper security controls are not implemented. System administrators should also monitor for potential exploitation attempts and implement logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized import activities. Given the nature of the vulnerability, organizations should also review their overall software supply chain security practices and consider implementing additional safeguards for open-source tools that handle user data.