Описание
PhpSpreadsheet has an Unauthenticated Cross-Site-Scripting (XSS) in sample file
Summary
One of the sample scripts in PhpSpreadsheet is susceptible to a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability due to improper handling of input where a number is expected leading to formula injection.
Details
The following code in 45_Quadratic_equation_solver.php concatenates the user supplied parameters directly into spreadsheet formulas. This allows an attacker to take control over the formula and output unsanitized data into the page, resulting in JavaScript execution.
PoC
- Access
45_Quadratic_equation_solver.phpin a browser - Enter any valid values for for
bandc, and enter the following fora
- Press submit and observe that JavaScript is executed.

Impact
The impact of this vulnerability on the project is expected to be relatively low since these are sample files that should not be included when the library is used properly (e.g., through composer). However, at least two instances of popular WordPress plugins have unintentionally exposed this file by including the entire git repository. Since these files also serve as reference points for developers using the library, addressing this issue can enhance security for users.
A solution to fix the vulnerability is proposed below, and a request for a CVE assignment has been made to facilitate responsible disclosure of the security issue to the affected WordPress plugins.
Remediation
A quick and easy solution to prevent this attack is to force the parameters to be numerical values:
Thank you for your time!
Ссылки
- https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet/security/advisories/GHSA-v66g-p9x6-v98p
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-45060
- https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet/commit/3990173db1207767139e63d33783beafada57007
- https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet/commit/bc74f3aa1d76f191c6c7c3631e286abb25c38759
- https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet/commit/fb42a103f14cfce258c836b31f4a71f1fb1a9747
- https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet/blob/d50b8b5de7e30439fb57eae7df9ea90e79fa0f2d/samples/Basic/45_Quadratic_equation_solver.php#L56
Пакеты
phpoffice/phpspreadsheet
>= 2.2.0, < 2.3.0
2.3.0
phpoffice/phpspreadsheet
< 1.29.2
1.29.2
phpoffice/phpspreadsheet
>= 2.0.0, < 2.1.1
2.1.1
phpoffice/phpexcel
<= 1.8.2
Отсутствует
Связанные уязвимости
PHPSpreadsheet is a pure PHP library for reading and writing spreadsheet files. One of the sample scripts in PhpSpreadsheet is susceptible to a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability due to improper handling of input where a number is expected leading to formula injection. The code in in `45_Quadratic_equation_solver.php` concatenates the user supplied parameters directly into spreadsheet formulas. This allows an attacker to take control over the formula and output unsanitized data into the page, resulting in JavaScript execution. This issue has been addressed in release versions 1.29.2, 2.1.1, and 2.3.0. All users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.