CVE-2023-5527 in Business Directory Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/18/2024
The Business Directory Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to CSV Injection in versions up to, and including, 6.4.3 via the class-csv-exporter.php file. This allows authenticated attackers, with author-level permissions and above, to embed untrusted input into CSV files exported by administrators, which can result in code execution when these files are downloaded and opened on a local system with a vulnerable configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2024
The Business Directory Plugin for WordPress presents a significant security vulnerability classified as CVE-2023-5527, which affects versions up to and including 6.4.3. This vulnerability resides within the class-csv-exporter.php file and represents a critical weakness in the plugin's handling of data export functionality. The flaw enables authenticated attackers who possess author-level permissions or higher to inject malicious content into CSV export files, creating a potential vector for code execution on systems that process these files. The vulnerability specifically exploits the lack of proper input sanitization when exporting directory data, allowing attackers to embed malicious formulas or scripts within the exported data fields.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-1236, which describes weaknesses related to the improper handling of input data in export functions, and represents a variant of CSV injection attacks that have been documented in various web applications. The attack mechanism relies on the fact that when CSV files are opened in spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, these programs automatically interpret certain characters as formulas or commands. An attacker can craft malicious input that, when exported to CSV format, contains executable code that runs automatically when the file is opened on a vulnerable system. This creates a classic privilege escalation scenario where an attacker with limited author permissions can potentially execute arbitrary code on systems that process the exported files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can lead to full system compromise when administrators or other users open the malicious CSV files. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the WordPress ecosystem by allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems through a seemingly benign export function. This creates a significant risk for businesses that rely on the plugin for directory management, as the attack can be executed through legitimate administrative workflows. The threat is particularly concerning because the attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed through normal plugin usage patterns, making it difficult to detect through standard security monitoring.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should include immediate plugin updates to versions that address the CSV injection flaw, as well as implementing additional controls such as restricting export permissions to trusted administrators only. Organizations should also consider implementing file validation measures that scan exported files for potentially malicious content before they are processed by spreadsheet applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under technique T1059.006 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of commands through spreadsheet applications. Network administrators should monitor for unusual export activities and implement proper input validation at multiple layers, including application-level sanitization and user input controls to prevent the injection of malicious content into export functions.