Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
Knockpy 4.1.1 can place attacker-controlled spreadsheet formulas into CSV reports via unfiltered server response headers. The risk appears when someone opens an affected report in a spreadsheet application, potentially causing harmful formula behavior. There is no KEV listing in the provided data, so active exploitation is not established here.
Executive priority
Prioritize if Knockpy 4.1.1 is used by security, reconnaissance, or research teams and reports are opened in spreadsheets. This is not currently KEV-listed in the provided data, but the impact can cross from a scan report into user workstations.
Technical view
CVE-2020-36941 is a CWE-1236 CSV injection issue in guelfoweb Knockpy 4.1.1. The source description says unfiltered server headers can be written into CSV reports as formulas that execute when opened by spreadsheet software. The bundle rates it CVSS 3.1 9.8 critical, though the described trigger involves opening a CSV.
Likely exposure
Exposure is likely limited to organizations using Knockpy 4.1.1 and generating or sharing CSV reports from scans of attacker-controlled or untrusted servers. Systems not using Knockpy, not using version 4.1.1, or not opening exported CSVs in spreadsheet tools are less exposed.
Exploitation context
A malicious or controlled web server could return crafted headers that Knockpy records into a CSV report. The dangerous action occurs when a user opens that report in spreadsheet software. ExploitDB is referenced, but the provided bundle does not establish active exploitation in the wild.
Researcher notes
The main evidence comes from the CVE description, VulnCheck advisory, ExploitDB reference, and project repository. The source bundle does not name a fixed version or vendor patch. The CVSS vector lists UI:N, but the narrative says formula execution happens when a CSV is opened.
Mitigation direction
- Identify any use of Knockpy 4.1.1 in security tooling or scripts.
- Check the Knockpy repository and vendor guidance for updated remediation.
- Avoid opening Knockpy CSV reports from untrusted scans in spreadsheet applications.
- Treat existing Knockpy CSV outputs as untrusted until reviewed.
- Restrict sharing of generated CSV reports outside trusted workflows.
Validation and detection
- Inventory installed Knockpy versions and confirm whether 4.1.1 is present.
- Review workflows that generate CSV reports from Knockpy scans.
- Check whether reports include raw server header values in CSV cells.
- Review recent CSV outputs for spreadsheet formula-leading characters.
- Confirm whether vendor documentation names a fixed version or workaround.
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
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ATT&CK lookup starting points
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CWE-1236: Exact CWE lookup
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Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2020-36941 mapping review
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Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- Critical
- CVSS
- 9.8 (3.1)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
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 vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H3.95.9Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 3.1 score
9.8CriticalVector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- ExploitDB-49342CVE reference · exploit
- Knockpy GitHub RepositoryCVE reference · product
- VulnCheck Advisory: Knockpy 4.1.1 - CSV InjectionCVE reference · third-party-advisory
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.
Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File
Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.