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CVE Record

CVE-2023-7101: Arbitrary Code Execution (ACE) Vulnerability

Spreadsheet::ParseExcel version 0.65 is a Perl module used for parsing Excel files. Spreadsheet::ParseExcel is vulnerable to an arbitrary code execution (ACE) vulnerability due to passing unvalidated input from a file into a string-type “eval”. Specifically, the issue stems from the evaluation of Number format strings (not to be confused with printf-style format strings) within the Excel parsing logic.

HighCVSS 7.8Known exploitedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysis

Security readout for executives and security teams

CVE-2023-7101 lets a malicious Excel file trigger code execution when processed by Spreadsheet::ParseExcel 0.65. The business risk is highest where back-office systems, ingestion pipelines, ticketing, or email workflows automatically parse uploaded or attached spreadsheets. CISA lists it in KEV, so treat internet-facing or automated parsing paths as urgent. Exposure is likely in Perl applications, packaged Linux dependencies, or automation that uses Spreadsheet::ParseExcel to parse untrusted .xls files. Systems accepting spreadsheet uploads or email attachments are higher risk. The bundle only identifies version 0.65 as affected. Prioritize remediation for any production workflow that parses external spreadsheets. KEV status makes this more than a theoretical library bug, but urgency should be risk-ranked by whether untrusted files are processed automatically and what privileges the parser has. Mitigation focus: Identify all uses of Spreadsheet::ParseExcel, including transitive Perl dependencies and OS packages.; Upgrade or apply vendor and distribution updates for Spreadsheet::ParseExcel where available.; Block or quarantine untrusted legacy Excel files before they reach automated parsers..

Prepared

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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ATT&CK lookup starting points

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cwe · medium confidence lookup

CWE-95: Code execution behavior lookup

Code execution and unsafe deserialization weaknesses often justify reviewing execution behavior and process telemetry. Open the exact CWE lookup page first, then review the ATT&CK searches from that MITRE weakness context. This is a Glexia lookup hint, not an official ATT&CK mapping.

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description · low confidence lookup

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.

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cve · low confidence lookup

CVE-2023-7101 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
High
CVSS
7.8 (3.1)
Known Exploited
Yes
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Official CVE source material

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.

1CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
8Source links

CISA KEV status

Status
Known exploited
Source
CISA / ADP
Date added
Not provided

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We 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.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
7.8CVSS 3.1HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H1.85.9Primary CVE score

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

7.8High
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2023-7101Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone
Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
Douglas WilsonSpreadsheet::ParseExcelSpreadsheet::ParseExcel, 0.65affected
Weakness

CWE details

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.

CWE-95 · source CWE mapping

Improper Neutralization of Directives in Dynamically Evaluated Code ('Eval Injection')

Improper Neutralization of Directives in Dynamically Evaluated Code ('Eval Injection') represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.