MaxKB: Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File
CVE-2025-4546 is a high-severity improper neutralization of formula elements in a CSV file vulnerability in MaxKB from 1Panel-dev, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected MaxKB versions: 1.10.0; 1.10.1; 1.10.2, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.72% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 55% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of MaxKB you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Panel-dev | MaxKB | 1.10.0; 1.10.1; 1.10.2; 1.10.3; 1.10.4; 1.10.5; 1.10.6; 1.10.7 | 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
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- 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:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 5.1 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 4.7 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 5.8 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
Official description
A vulnerability was found in 1Panel-dev MaxKB up to 1.10.7. It has been declared as critical. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality of the component Knowledge Base Module. The manipulation leads to csv injection. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. Upgrading to version 1.10.8 is able to address this issue. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure.
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: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- vuldb.com/?id.308293Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- vuldb.com/?submit.566517Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- github.com/yaowenxiao721/Poc/blob/main/MaxKB/MaxKB-poc1.mdExploit, Third Party Advisory
Other references
- vuldb.com/?ctiid.308293Permissions Required, VDB Entry
Other vulnerabilities in MaxKB
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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