CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-19501NVD status: Deferred

SureForms: Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2026-19501 is a high-severity improper neutralization of formula elements in a CSV file vulnerability in SureForms, 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. Affected SureForms versions: 2.12.1 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.56% 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. Check which version of SureForms you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
  3. 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
SureFormsSureForms2.12.1 and earlierNot 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
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 CISA (ADP).

Official description

CSV export functionality in Brainstorm Force SureForms version, <= 2.12.1, fails to neutralize spreadsheet formula characters in user-controlled form field names before generating CSV exports, which allows a remote attacker to execute spreadsheet formulas on an administrator's workstation when the exported CSV file is opened in a vulnerable spreadsheet application.

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. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in SureForms

All SureForms vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File vulnerabilities

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