Spreadsheet::ParseExcel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Douglas Wilson — Spreadsheet::ParseExcel
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.
7.8
16.8%
Vector breakdown
- Attack vector
- Local
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Privileges required
- None
- User interaction
- Required
- Scope
- Unchanged
- Confidentiality
- High
- Integrity
- High
- Availability
- High
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- Published
- Dec 24, 2023
- Modified
- Oct 21, 2025
- Added to KEV
- Jan 2, 2024
- Federal patch due
- Jan 23, 2024
CISA required action
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Weakness classification
Proof-of-concept & exploitation references
Weaponization
Public repositories whose name or description references CVE-2023-7101, found via a live GitHub search at request time. These are community-sourced signals, not a verified working exploit - cross-check each one before relying on it, and treat higher star counts and recent activity as (weak) corroboration, not proof.
No public GitHub repositories referencing CVE-2023-7101 were found at last check. Absence here is not proof no exploit exists - see the references below for vendor advisories and write-ups.
References
Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2023-7101?
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.
How severe is CVE-2023-7101?
CVE-2023-7101 has a CVSS base score of 7.8 out of 10 (CVSS 3.1).
Is CVE-2023-7101 actively exploited in the wild?
Yes. CVE-2023-7101 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added Jan 2, 2024, meaning CISA has confirmed evidence of active exploitation.
What is the EPSS score for CVE-2023-7101?
16.8% - meaning FIRST.org's EPSS model estimates a 16.8% probability this vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within 30 days (97% percentile among all scored CVEs).
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2023-7101?
CVE-2023-7101 is classified under CWE-95 (CWE-95: Improper Neutralization of Directives in Dynamically Evaluated Code ('Eval Injection')).
Cross-checked against
Impactr finds and proves whether CVE-2023-7101 - or flaws like it - are actually reachable in your own web apps and APIs, with a reproducible exploit as evidence.
Join the waitlist