Ericsson Network Manager: Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File
CVE-2024-25007 is a high-severity improper neutralization of formula elements in a CSV file vulnerability in Ericsson Network Manager from Ericsson, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 out of 10. It can be exploited from the same local network by an attacker with administrator privileges, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 23.1 as the first without the flaw, so updating Ericsson Network Manager to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.44% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Ericsson Network Manager to 23.1 or a later version.
- Update Network Manager to 23.1 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on ericsson.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ericsson | Ericsson Network Manager | before 23.1 | 23.1 |
| Ericsson | Network Manager | before 23.1 | 23.1 |
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
- AdjacentThe attacker must be on the same local network segment.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- LowSome restricted data can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- LowPerformance or availability is reduced.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:H/A:L. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.1 | High | CNA |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.1 | High | NVD |
Official description
Ericsson Network Manager (ENM), versions prior to 23.1, contains a vulnerability in the export function of application log where Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File can lead to code execution or information disclosure. There is limited impact to integrity and availability. The attacker on the adjacent network with administration access can exploit the 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.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Recent Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.0 Critical severity
- 8.0 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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