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Application & OT Security · Advanced

CSV Injection

Embedding spreadsheet formulas in data that is later exported to CSV and opened in a spreadsheet application.

Definition

Also called formula injection, values beginning with =, +, - or @ may be executed as formulas when opened, potentially exfiltrating data or launching commands via legacy features. Mitigation: prefix such cells with a single quote or otherwise neutralize leading formula characters on export.

Example

A user sets their display name to a formula that runs when an admin opens the exported user list.

Exam tip

The fix is applied at export time, not input time.

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