Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2022-45350 affects the WordPress Simple History activity log plugin through version 3.3.1. A CSV export can contain spreadsheet formula content that may execute when a person opens the file. The risk is highest where administrators export logs and open them in spreadsheet software.
Executive priority
Prioritize remediation for WordPress sites where activity logs are exported for operations, audits, or customer support. The business risk is user-assisted compromise through routine administrative workflows, not confirmed widespread exploitation.
Technical view
The issue is CWE-1236, improper neutralization of formula elements in a CSV file. The CVSS 3.1 score is 8.8, with network attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required, and user interaction required. The source bundle names Simple History through 3.3.1 as affected but does not name a specific fixed version.
Likely exposure
WordPress sites using the Simple History plugin through version 3.3.1 are potentially exposed, especially if CSV activity logs are exported and opened by administrators, analysts, or support staff.
Exploitation context
The provided sources do not show active exploitation, and the CVE is not marked as KEV. Exploitation depends on a user opening a crafted or unsafe CSV export in spreadsheet software.
Researcher notes
Evidence is limited to the CVE metadata and Patchstack vulnerability entry. The bundle provides affected range, CWE, CVSS, and reference URLs, but not exploit telemetry, fixed version details, or vendor mitigation text.
Mitigation direction
- Inventory WordPress sites for the Simple History plugin and version.
- Check vendor or Patchstack guidance for the fixed version or official remediation.
- Limit CSV exports until remediation is confirmed.
- Treat exported CSV files as untrusted before opening them in spreadsheet software.
- Prefer safer viewers that do not evaluate spreadsheet formulas.
Validation and detection
- Confirm whether Simple History is installed on each WordPress site.
- Identify any installations running version 3.3.1 or earlier.
- Review whether administrators export Simple History logs to CSV.
- Verify remediation against vendor or Patchstack guidance.
- Document remaining sites where CSV export remains operational.
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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CWE-1236: Exact CWE lookup
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Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2022-45350 mapping review
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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.