Spreadsheet::ParseExcel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Spreadsheet::ParseExcel contains a remote code execution vulnerability due to passing unvalidated input from a file into a string-type “eval”. Specifically, the issue stems from the evaluation of Number format strings within the Excel parsing logic.
A local attacker, without authentication, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2024-01-23 under CISA BOD 22-01.
This is a Software Vulnerability (CWE-95) (CWE-95) vulnerability in Spreadsheet::ParseExcel Spreadsheet::ParseExcel. Spreadsheet::ParseExcel version 0.65 is a Perl module used for parsing Excel files. Spreadsheet::ParseExcel is vulnerable to an arbitrary code execution (ACE) vulnerability due to passing unvalidated input from a file into a string-type “eval”. Specifically, the issue stems from the evaluation of Number format strings (not to be confused with printf-style format strings) within the Excel parsing logic. Exploitation requires local access, low attack complexity, no authentication required, and user interaction required.
Probably yes if any of these apply:
CISA added this CVE to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2024-01-02 based on evidence of active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies required to remediate by 2024-01-23.
Manual remediation steps
Apply the Vendor Patch
This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.
CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
References
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References