Cloud Pak for Automation: Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File
CVE-2023-35899 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of formula elements in a CSV file vulnerability in Cloud Pak for Automation from IBM, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.77% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 56% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of Cloud Pak for Automation you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM | Cloud Pak for Automation | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| IBM | cloud_pak_for_business_automation | 18.0.0 through 18.0.2; 19.0.1 through 19.0.3; 20.0.1 through 20.0.3; 21.0.1 through 21.0.1_if008; 22.0.2 through 22.0.2_if005; 23.0.1 through 23.0.1_if001; 21.0.3 through 21.0.3_if023 | Not stated |
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
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- 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:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.0 | High | CNA (us.ibm.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
IBM Cloud Pak for Automation 18.0.0, 18.0.1, 18.0.2, 19.0.1, 19.0.2, 19.0.3, 20.0.1, 20.0.2, 20.0.3, 21.0.1, 21.0.2, 21.0.3, 22.0.1, and 22.0.2 is potentially vulnerable to CSV Injection. A remote attacker could execute arbitrary commands on the system, caused by improper validation of csv file contents. IBM X-Force ID: 259354.
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.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Recent Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.0 Critical severity
- 8.0 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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