CVE-2023-51324 in Shared Asset Booking System
Summary
by MITRE • 02/20/2025
PHPJabbers Shared Asset Booking System v1.0 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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-51324 affects PHPJabbers Shared Asset Booking System version 1.0 and represents a critical CSV injection flaw that can lead to remote code execution. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the system's Languages section, specifically in the Labels any parameters field located within System Options. The flaw occurs when user-supplied data is directly incorporated into CSV file generation without proper sanitization, creating a pathway for malicious input to be interpreted as executable code by spreadsheet applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent behavior of spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and LibreOffice Calc which interpret certain characters and prefixes in CSV files as commands rather than plain text. When an attacker injects malicious payloads such as formulas starting with equals signs or other special characters into the vulnerable input fields, these inputs become executable commands when the CSV file is opened in spreadsheet software. This behavior aligns with CWE-1236, which describes weaknesses related to improper input validation in applications that generate CSV files, and represents a variant of the broader CSV injection vulnerability category that has been documented in numerous security advisories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or manipulation, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities for authenticated attackers who can modify system options. An attacker with access to the system's administrative interface can craft malicious payloads that, when processed through the CSV generation functionality, will execute arbitrary code on the target system. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through legitimate system functionality, making detection more challenging and potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that the vulnerability exists in a system configuration section that may be accessible to users with lower privileges, depending on the system's access controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures within the affected application components. The most effective approach involves removing or escaping special characters that could be interpreted as spreadsheet commands, particularly those starting with equals signs, plus signs, minus signs, and other formula indicators. Additionally, the system should implement proper parameter validation that rejects or sanitizes user input before it is processed into CSV file generation. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries use spreadsheet applications as attack vectors to execute malicious code through CSV injection techniques. Regular security assessments and input validation testing should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other application components that handle user-supplied data in potentially dangerous contexts.