CVE-2025-51735
📋 TL;DR
This CSV formula injection vulnerability in HCL Unica 12.0.0 allows attackers to execute arbitrary formulas when CSV files are opened in spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel. Attackers can potentially execute commands, exfiltrate data, or perform other malicious actions through crafted CSV exports. This affects organizations using HCL Unica 12.0.0 for marketing automation.
💻 Affected Systems
- HCL Unica
📦 What is this software?
Unica by Hcltech
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution on client systems when users open malicious CSV exports in vulnerable spreadsheet applications, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, and lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Data exfiltration and limited command execution on client workstations when users open exported CSV files, potentially compromising sensitive marketing data and user credentials.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper user training and security controls, potentially only causing spreadsheet application crashes or formula errors.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access to generate CSV exports; public proof-of-concept demonstrates formula injection techniques.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not available
Vendor Advisory: Not available
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Monitor HCL security advisories for patch availability
2. Apply patch when released following vendor instructions
3. Test in non-production environment first
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
CSV Sanitization
allImplement server-side CSV sanitization to escape or remove formula characters (=, +, -, @) from exported data
User Training
allTrain users to open CSV files in text editors first or use 'Import Data' features instead of direct opening
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict CSV export permissions to trusted users only
- Implement DLP solutions to block CSV files containing formula characters from email and file transfers
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Test CSV export functionality by exporting data containing formula characters (=, +, -, @) and checking if they're properly escaped in outputCheck Version:
Check Unica version through admin interface or application logsVerify Fix Applied:
Verify CSV exports properly escape formula characters and open safely in spreadsheet applications📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual CSV export patterns
- Multiple failed export attempts
- Large CSV exports by single users
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound CSV file transfers
- CSV files containing formula characters in network traffic
SIEM Query:
source="unica" AND (event="csv_export" OR file_type="csv") AND user!=admin_user | stats count by user