Spreadsheet::ParseExcel 0.65 ACE via eval of number format strings
CVE-2023-7101 Published on December 24, 2023
Arbitrary Code Execution (ACE) Vulnerability
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.
Known Exploited Vulnerability
This Spreadsheet::ParseExcel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability is part of CISA's list of Known Exploited Vulnerabilities. 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.
The following remediation steps are recommended / required by January 23, 2024: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2023-7101 can be exploited with local system access, requires user interaction. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. This vulnerability is known to be actively exploited by threat actors. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to be very high.
Weakness Type
What is an Eval Injection Vulnerability?
The software receives input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes code syntax before using the input in a dynamic evaluation call (e.g. "eval"). This may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, or at least modify what code can be executed.
CVE-2023-7101 has been classified to as an Eval Injection vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2023-7101
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Affected Versions
Douglas Wilson Spreadsheet::ParseExcel:- Version 0.65 is affected.
- Version 0.41, <= 0.65 is affected.
- Version 10 is affected.
- Version 38 is affected.
- Version 39 is affected.
- Version 38 is affected.
- Version 39 is affected.
Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.