CVE-2023-51313 in Restaurant Booking System
Summary
by MITRE • 02/20/2025
PHPJabbers Restaurant Booking System v3.0 is vulnerable to CSV Injection vulnerability which allows an attacker to execute remote code. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation on Languages section Labels any parameters field in System Options that is used to construct CSV file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2026
The CVE-2023-51313 vulnerability affects PHPJabbers Restaurant Booking System version 3.0 and represents a critical csv injection flaw that can lead to remote code execution. This vulnerability specifically targets the system's handling of language labels within the system options, where user-controllable input is directly incorporated into csv file generation without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw exists in the languages section where parameters are processed through the labels any parameters field, creating a pathway for malicious input to be interpreted as executable code when the csv files are generated and processed. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before it is used to construct csv output files. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-1236, which addresses improper input validation in csv generation contexts, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.008 for execution through csv files. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to inject malicious content that can be executed when the csv files are opened or processed by applications that interpret csv data as commands.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the fact that csv files can be interpreted by spreadsheet applications as executable commands when certain prefixes are present in the first cell of the file. An attacker can craft malicious input containing csv injection payloads such as formulas starting with equals signs or other command injection patterns that get executed when the csv file is opened in applications like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. When the system processes user input through the language labels parameters, it directly incorporates this data into the csv generation process without proper escaping or encoding of special characters. This creates a scenario where an attacker can inject malicious code that will execute in the context of the user opening the csv file, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through the system's configuration interface where language settings are managed, allowing attackers to inject malicious content that persists in the system's language files and gets executed whenever those files are processed or accessed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can gain the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The restaurant booking system may contain sensitive customer data, reservation information, and business-critical data that can be accessed, modified, or exfiltrated by an attacker. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system's data processing capabilities, as malicious csv content can be used to modify system behavior, access restricted functionality, or redirect system operations. Additionally, the persistent nature of the vulnerability means that once exploited, the attacker can maintain access to the system through the malicious csv content that gets embedded in the system's configuration files. This creates ongoing security risks that can be difficult to detect and remediate, as the malicious code can be triggered whenever the csv files are processed or opened by the system or its users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-51313 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the system's data processing pipeline. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patches or updates to address this vulnerability, as the flaw requires immediate remediation to prevent exploitation. Security measures should include implementing proper escaping or encoding of special characters in csv generation processes, particularly when user input is involved in creating csv content. The system should be configured to validate and sanitize all input data before it is processed or stored, with particular attention to the language labels and parameters sections where the vulnerability occurs. Network-level protections should include monitoring for suspicious csv file access patterns and implementing application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized csv processing. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their systems to identify any other potential injection points and ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in related components or modules. The implementation of proper access controls and least privilege principles should also be enforced to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that even if an attacker gains access through this vulnerability, their capabilities are restricted to prevent further system compromise.