CVE-2023-7101
Spreadsheet::ParseExcel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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 status
CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities
Listed by CISA on 2 January 2024. US federal agencies were required to remediate it by 23 January 2024.
EPSS — exploitation probability
FIRST puts the probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days at 19%, which is higher than 97.3% of all scored vulnerabilities. EPSS is a forecast of activity, not a measure of severity, and it is rescored daily.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Frequently asked questions
Is CVE-2023-7101 being exploited by ransomware groups?
No ransomware group in this database is currently recorded as exploiting CVE-2023-7101.
What does CVE-2023-7101 affect?
CVE-2023-7101 affects 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.
How severe is CVE-2023-7101?
CVE-2023-7101 is rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 7.8. EPSS puts the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days at 19%, higher than 97.3% of all scored vulnerabilities. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, with a federal remediation deadline of 23 January 2024.
How should organisations respond to CVE-2023-7101?
Apply the vendor patch for Spreadsheet::ParseExcel Spreadsheet::ParseExcel as the first priority, and treat any internet-facing instance as the most urgent. Because this vulnerability is associated with ransomware activity, also review whether the affected systems were reachable before patching, rather than assuming that patching alone closes the incident.