GHSA-3h6h-67x3-cv5x Poweradmin: CSV Injection in log export endpoints allows formula execution in spreadsheet applications
Description:SummaryPoweradmin v4.4.0 is vulnerable to CSV Injection (Formula Injection) in its log export functionality. User-controlled data — specifically the username field — is written to exported CSV files without sanitizing formula trigger characters (=, +, -, @). When an administrator exports activity logs and opens the resulting CSV in a spreadsheet application (Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc, Google Sheets), any formula stored in a username is executed by the application. This can be used for phishing attacks against administrators or data exfiltration.DetailsThe vulnerability exists in all four log export controllers:`lib/Application/Controller/ListLogUsersController.php` (lines 188, 194)`lib/Application/Controller/ListLogZonesController.php``lib/Application/Controller/ListLogGroupsController.php``lib/Application/Controller/ListLogApiController.php`These controllers export database rows via `fputcsv()` without applying any formula injection countermeasures. The `user` column contains the username of the actor who performed the operation, and the `username` column (in user logs) contains the username of the affected account. Both fields are written verbatim to the CSV output.A username such as `=1+1` is written **without CSV enclosure quotes** (because it contains no commas or quotes), so spreadsheet applications treat it directly as a formula. A username containing commas or quotes (e.g. `=HYPERLINK("http://attacker.com","Click here")`) is enclosed in CSV quotes with internal quotes doubled, but spreadsheet applications still evaluate the cell value as a formula since it begins with `=`.Additionally, PHP deprecation warnings are emitted directly into the HTTP response body before CSV headers, exposing internal file paths (e.g. `/app/lib/Application/Controller/ListLogUsersController.php`) — a secondary information disclosure issue (CWE-209). This also corrupts the CSV file when PHP error reporting is enabled.PoC**Prerequisites:** An account with `user_add_new` permission (administrator role).**Steps to reproduce:**Log in as administrator.Navigate to Add User and create an account with:Username: `=HYPERLINK("http://attacker.com","Confirm Identity")`Any valid email and passwordLog out, then log in with the newly created account to generate a log entry.Log back in as administrator.Navigate to `/users/logs` and click Export CSV.Open the downloaded CSV file in Microsoft Excel or LibreOffice Calc.**Result:** Excel renders a clickable hyperlink labeled "Confirm Identity" pointing to `http://attacker.com` in the `user` column of the log entry. With the simpler username `=1+1`, the cell displays `2` instead of the literal text, confirming formula execution.Confirmed on Poweradmin v4.4.0 (Docker image `poweradmin/poweradmin:latest`).ImpactThis is a CSV Injection vulnerability (CWE-1236). It affects any administrator who exports activity logs to CSV and opens the file in a spreadsheet application.**Attack scenarios:****Phishing:** A malicious actor with the ability to create user accounts sets a formula username that renders as a convincing link in the exported report, tricking a higher-privileged administrator into clicking it.**Data exfiltration:** Using `=IMPORTXML()` in Google Sheets or similar, adjacent cell data (log contents) can be sent to an attacker-controlled server silently when the sheet is opened.
CVSS v3.1 score: 6.9