Mobile Events Manager: Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File
CVE-2022-1194 is a high-severity improper neutralization of formula elements in a CSV file vulnerability in Mobile Events Manager, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 1.4.8 as the first without the flaw, so updating Mobile Events Manager to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.29% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 71% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Mobile Events Manager to 1.4.8 or a later version.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Events Manager | Mobile Events Manager | 1.4.8 up to, but not including, 1.4.8 | 1.4.8 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
Official description
The Mobile Events Manager WordPress plugin before 1.4.8 does not properly escape the Enquiry source field when exporting events, or the Paid for field when exporting transactions as CSV, leading to a CSV injection vulnerability.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File
The product saves user-provided information into a Comma-Separated Value (CSV) file, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could be interpreted as a command when the file is opened by a spreadsheet product.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- When generating CSV output, ensure that formula-sensitive metacharacters are effectively escaped or removed from all data before storage in the resultant CSV. Risky characters include '=' (equal), '+' (plus), '-' (minus), and '@' (at).
- If a field starts with a formula character, prepend it with a ' (single apostrophe), which prevents Excel from executing the formula.
- Certain implementations of spreadsheet software might disallow formulas from executing if the file is untrusted, or if the file is not authored by the current user.
More Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File vulnerabilities (CWE-1236)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- wpscan.com/vulnerability/62be0991-f095-43cf-a167-3daaed254594Exploit, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in Mobile Events Manager
- 8.0 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File vulnerabilities
- 8.0 High severity
- 8.0 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.0 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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