CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2022-26867NVD status: Modified

PowerStore: Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2022-26867 is a high-severity improper neutralization of formula elements in a CSV file vulnerability in PowerStore from Dell, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.0 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version PowerStore SW v2.1.1.0 as the first without the flaw, so updating PowerStore to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.61% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update PowerStore to PowerStore SW v2.1.1.0 or a later version.
  2. Update Powerstoreos to 2.1.1.0 or a later version.
  3. Read the advisory on dell.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  4. 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

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
DellPowerStorebefore PowerStore SW v2.1.1.0PowerStore SW v2.1.1.0
DellPowerstoreosbefore 2.1.1.02.1.1.0

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
LowA basic user account is enough.
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:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.15.9MediumCNA (emc.com)
CVSS 3.18.0HighNVD
CVSS 2.06.0MediumNVD

Official description

PowerStore SW v2.1.1.0 supports the option to export data to either a CSV or an XLSX file. The data is taken as is, without any validation or sanitization. It allows a malicious, authenticated user to inject payloads that might get interpreted as formulas by the corresponding spreadsheet application that is being used to open the CSV/XLSX file.

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

  1. CVE record published.
  2. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in PowerStore

All PowerStore vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File vulnerabilities

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