CVE-2023-46401 in KWHotel
Summary
by MITRE • 01/24/2025
KWHotel 0.47 is vulnerable to CSV Formula Injection in the invoice adding function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-46401 affects KWHotel version 0.47 and represents a critical security flaw in the invoice generation functionality. This issue manifests as a CSV Formula Injection vulnerability that occurs when users add new invoices through the application's interface. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of data that gets exported to CSV format, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject spreadsheet formulas that can execute arbitrary code when the exported file is opened in spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious input within invoice fields that, when processed and exported to CSV format, contain spreadsheet formulas prefixed with characters like equals sign, plus, or minus. When these CSV files are opened in spreadsheet applications, the formulas execute automatically, potentially leading to remote code execution, data theft, or system compromise. The vulnerability specifically impacts the invoice adding function where user-supplied data flows directly into the CSV export mechanism without proper sanitization of formula-related characters.
This vulnerability has significant operational impact within hospitality management systems, particularly in environments where financial data handling is critical. The attack surface extends beyond simple data corruption to potential full system compromise, as spreadsheet applications often have elevated privileges when executing formulas. The risk is amplified by the fact that CSV files are frequently shared between different departments and systems, potentially allowing lateral movement within networks. Organizations using KWHotel may face regulatory compliance issues, financial losses, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-46401 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures within the invoice handling functionality. The primary fix involves filtering or escaping special characters that could be interpreted as spreadsheet formulas during CSV export operations. Organizations should also consider implementing proper data validation at multiple points in the data flow, including input sanitization, output encoding, and secure CSV generation practices. Additionally, security measures should include restricting CSV file generation privileges and implementing network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-1236, which addresses the improper neutralization of special elements used in formula expressions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution through spreadsheet applications. Organizations should also implement regular security updates and maintain comprehensive backup procedures to ensure rapid recovery in case of successful exploitation.