CVE-2020-22274
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2020-22274 is a CSV injection vulnerability in JomSocial 4.7.6 that allows attackers to inject malicious formulas into exported CSV files. When victims open these files in spreadsheet applications like Excel, the formulas can execute arbitrary commands, potentially compromising their systems. This affects Joomla websites using the vulnerable JomSocial extension.
💻 Affected Systems
- JomSocial (Joomla Social Network Extension)
📦 What is this software?
Jomsocial by Jomsocial
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could execute arbitrary commands on victims' computers when they open malicious CSV files, leading to full system compromise, data theft, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Attackers trick users into opening malicious CSV files that execute commands or steal data from their local systems, potentially leading to credential theft or malware installation.
If Mitigated
With proper user education and security controls, users avoid opening untrusted CSV files, limiting the attack to social engineering attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening CSV file) and typically some level of access to create or modify profiles. Proof-of-concept videos demonstrate the attack.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.7.7 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.jomsocial.com/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into Joomla admin panel. 2. Navigate to Extensions > Manage > Update. 3. Check for JomSocial updates. 4. Update to version 4.7.7 or later. 5. Clear Joomla and browser cache.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable CSV Export
allTemporarily disable CSV export functionality in JomSocial until patched.
Input Sanitization
allImplement custom input validation to sanitize user profile data before CSV export.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict user permissions to prevent profile modifications by untrusted users.
- Educate users about the dangers of opening CSV files from untrusted sources and implement email filtering for suspicious attachments.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check JomSocial version in Joomla admin panel under Components > JomSocial > About. If version is 4.7.6 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
In Joomla admin: Components > JomSocial > AboutVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify JomSocial version shows 4.7.7 or later in the About section. Test CSV export functionality to ensure formulas are properly sanitized.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual CSV export activities from user profiles
- Multiple failed CSV export attempts
- User profile modifications followed by CSV exports
Network Indicators:
- CSV file downloads from JomSocial profiles with unusual filenames or sizes
- HTTP requests to CSV export endpoints with suspicious parameters
SIEM Query:
source="joomla_logs" AND (event="csv_export" OR event="profile_modified") | stats count by user🔗 References
- http://uploadboy.me/iypl38958pon/JomSocial.mp4.html
- https://cert.ikiu.ac.ir/public-files/news/document/CVE-99/CVE-2020-22274.pdf
- https://gofile.io/?c=LsAOtL
- http://uploadboy.me/iypl38958pon/JomSocial.mp4.html
- https://cert.ikiu.ac.ir/public-files/news/document/CVE-99/CVE-2020-22274.pdf
- https://gofile.io/?c=LsAOtL
