Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This WordPress plugin can create CSV exports that spreadsheet software may interpret as formulas. If malicious data reaches an exported file and a person opens it, the spreadsheet action could affect confidentiality, integrity, or availability. The issue is high severity, but the provided sources do not prove active exploitation.
Executive priority
Treat as a high-priority WordPress plugin risk where the plugin is installed. Prioritize asset discovery, update guidance, and temporary controls around CSV exports. Business urgency depends on whether staff regularly open exported user data in spreadsheets.
Technical view
CVE-2022-41616 is CWE-1236 in Kaushik Kalathiya Export Users Data CSV through version 2.1. The CVSS 3.1 vector is AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating network reachability and required user interaction. The source bundle does not name a fixed version or patch.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to WordPress sites using Export Users Data CSV version 2.1 or earlier, especially where exported user CSV files are opened in spreadsheet software.
Exploitation context
The CVE is not listed as KEV in the provided bundle. The CVSS vector indicates no privileges required and low attack complexity, but user interaction is required. Active exploitation is not supported by the provided evidence.
Researcher notes
Evidence supports CSV formula injection in Export Users Data CSV through 2.1. Patch or exploit details are incomplete in the provided bundle. Avoid assuming active exploitation, a fixed release, or broader product impact without additional vendor evidence.
Mitigation direction
- Inventory WordPress sites for Export Users Data CSV installations.
- Check vendor or Patchstack guidance for a fixed version or official mitigation.
- Disable or remove the plugin if no safe update is available.
- Restrict CSV export access to trusted administrators.
- Avoid opening exported CSVs from untrusted or unsanitized data sources.
Validation and detection
- Verify plugin presence and version across WordPress assets.
- Review whether user-controlled fields appear in CSV exports.
- Confirm exported CSV handling neutralizes spreadsheet formula elements.
- Check Patchstack and vendor guidance for remediation status.
- Document whether staff open these exports in spreadsheet software.
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
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
CWE-1236: Exact CWE lookup
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Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2022-41616 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- High
- CVSS
- 8.8 (3.1)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/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:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H2.85.9Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 3.1 score
8.8HighVector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Source materials
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.