Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
MicrobeTRACE 0.1.12 had a CSV-handling flaw where specially crafted imported data could cause code execution. The source bundle says a fix was released on March 29, 2018, but provides no CVSS score or active exploitation evidence. Risk is highest where users import CSV files from external or untrusted parties.
Executive priority
Prioritize remediation if MicrobeTRACE is still used for operational analysis or receives third-party CSV data. If the tool is no longer deployed, document non-exposure and close after inventory confirmation.
Technical view
CVE-2018-9113 is described as code injection in CDC MicrobeTRACE 0.1.12 via a crafted CSV file beginning with a script-loading line. The record states remote attackers could execute arbitrary code. Available data does not include CVSS, CWE, detailed affected CPEs, or full remediation specifics beyond the 2018-03-29 fix reference.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to organizations still running MicrobeTRACE 0.1.12 or handling legacy MicrobeTRACE datasets. Systems are most exposed when analysts import CSV files received from outside trusted internal workflows.
Exploitation context
The provided sources do not show CISA KEV listing or documented in-the-wild exploitation. The attack path depends on a crafted CSV being processed by a vulnerable MicrobeTRACE version. Treat untrusted CSV imports as the main practical trigger.
Researcher notes
The public record is sparse: no CVSS, CWE, CPE, or exploit-status details are provided. Analysis should focus on version confirmation, CSV import paths, and verifying the referenced fix rather than assuming broader product exposure.
Mitigation direction
- Move off MicrobeTRACE 0.1.12 to a release containing the 2018-03-29 fix.
- Check CDC MicrobeTRACE project guidance and commit history before approving continued use.
- Restrict CSV imports to trusted sources until fixed versions are confirmed.
- Run MicrobeTRACE in a constrained workstation or sandboxed analysis environment.
- Retire unsupported legacy installations where no vendor-maintained fix path exists.
Validation and detection
- Inventory endpoints and repositories for MicrobeTRACE 0.1.12 usage.
- Confirm installed build includes the referenced 2018-03-29 fix commit or later release.
- Review workflows for external CSV ingestion into MicrobeTRACE.
- Use benign security test files to verify CSV content is not executed.
- Check endpoint telemetry for unexpected script or child-process behavior during CSV imports.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
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Execution behavior lookup
The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2018-9113 mapping review
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Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- Unknown
- CVSS
- Not scored
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS and timeline data
No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://github.com/wshepherd0010/advisories/blob/master/CVE-2018-9113.mdCVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
- https://github.com/CDCgov/MicrobeTRACE/releases/tag/v0.1.12CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
- https://github.com/CDCgov/MicrobeTrace/commit/e60c5fefb1b4740d42d99b634d3d3c4e66290f01CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.