Common Weakness Enumeration

A Community-Developed List of Software & Hardware Weakness Types

CWE Top 25 Most Dangerous Software Errors

CWE-1236: Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File

Weakness ID: 1236
Abstraction: Base
Structure: Simple
Status: Incomplete
Presentation Filter:
+ Description
The software saves user-provided information into a Comma-Separated Value (CSV) file, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could be interpreted as a command when the file is opened by spreadsheet software.
+ Extended Description
User-provided data is often saved to traditional databases. This data can be exported to a CSV file, which allows users to read the data using spreadsheet software such as Excel, Numbers, or Calc. This software interprets entries beginning with '=' as formulae, which are then executed by the spreadsheet software. The software's formula language often allows methods to access hyperlinks or the local command line, and frequently allows enough characters to invoke an entire script. Attackers can populate data fields which, when saved to a CSV file, may attempt information exfiltration or other malicious activity when automatically executed by the spreadsheet software.
+ Alternate Terms
CSV Injection
Formula Injection
Excel Macro Injection
+ Relationships


MemberOfCategoryCategory - a CWE entry that contains a set of other entries that share a common characteristic.137Data Neutralization Issues
+ Modes Of Introduction


ImplementationThe weakness is in the implementation of a software's CSV export feature, in particular how it formats formula entries as the output gets flattened into a text file.
+ Applicable Platforms


Class: Language-Independent (Undetermined Prevalence)

Operating Systems

Class: OS-Independent (Undetermined Prevalence)


Class: Architecture-Independent (Undetermined Prevalence)


Other (Undetermined Prevalence)

+ Common Consequences



Technical Impact: Read Application Data; Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands

Current versions of Excel warn users of untrusted content.
+ Demonstrative Examples

Example 1

Hyperlinks or other commands can be executed when a cell begins with the formula identifier, '='

(attack code)
Example Language: Other 

=HYPERLINK(link_location, [friendly_name])

Stripping the leading equals sign, or simply not executing formulas from untrusted sources, impedes malicious activity.

(good code)

HYPERLINK(link_location, [friendly_name])

+ Observed Examples
Low privileged user can trigger CSV injection through a contact form field value
Cloud management product allows arbitrary command execution via CSV injection
CSV injection in content management system via formula code in a first or last name
+ Potential Mitigations

Phase: Implementation

When generating CSV output, ensure that formula-sensitive metacharacters are effectively escaped or removed from all data before storage in the resultant CSV. Risky characters include '=' (equal), '+' (plus), '-' (minus), and '@' (at).

Effectiveness: Moderate

Note: Unfortunately, there is no perfect solution, since different spreadsheet products act differently.

Phase: Implementation

If a field starts with a formula character, prepend it with a ' (single apostrophe), which prevents Excel from executing the formula.

Effectiveness: Moderate

Note: It is not clear how effective this mitigation is with other spreadsheet software.

Phase: Architecture and Design

Certain implementations of spreadsheet software might disallow formulae from executing if the file is untrusted, or if the file is not authored by the current user.

Effectiveness: Limited

Note: This mitigation has limited effectiveness because it often depends on end users opening spreadsheet software safely.
+ References
[REF-21] OWASP. "CSV Injection". 2020-02-02. <>.
[REF-22] Jamie Rougvie. "Data Extraction to Command Execution CSV Injection". 2019-09-06. <>.
[REF-23] George Mauer. "The Absurdly Underestimated Dangers of CSV Injection". 2017-10-07. <>.
[REF-24] James Kettle. "Comma Separated Vulnerabilities". 2014-08-29. <>.
+ Content History
+ Submissions
Submission DateSubmitterOrganization
2019-11-21CWE Content TeamMITRE
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Page Last Updated: June 25, 2020