CVE-2024-45084 Overview
CVE-2024-45084 is a formula injection vulnerability affecting IBM Cognos Controller 11.0.0 through 11.0.1 FP3 and IBM Controller 11.1.0. The flaw stems from improper validation of file contents, allowing an authenticated attacker to inject spreadsheet formulas that execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system. The weakness is classified under [CWE-1236] Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File.
Exploitation requires low privileges and user interaction, but a successful attack compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the host running IBM Controller.
Critical Impact
An authenticated attacker can execute arbitrary operating system commands by embedding malicious formulas in files processed by IBM Cognos Controller, leading to full system compromise.
Affected Products
- IBM Cognos Controller 11.0.0 through 11.0.1 FP3
- IBM Controller 11.1.0
- Microsoft Windows deployments hosting the affected IBM Controller versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-02-19 - CVE-2024-45084 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-45084
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-45084 is a formula injection flaw in IBM Cognos Controller and IBM Controller. The application accepts file inputs without validating cell contents that begin with formula-triggering characters such as =, +, -, or @. When the file is later opened or exported in a spreadsheet context, the embedded formula is evaluated by the receiving application.
Attackers can chain spreadsheet formulas with functions such as DDE or HYPERLINK to invoke external executables. On Windows hosts, this pathway can launch cmd.exe, PowerShell, or other binaries under the context of the user who opens the file.
Exploitation requires an authenticated account with permission to upload or submit content processed by Controller. A downstream user opening the resulting file completes the exploit chain, satisfying the user interaction requirement in the scoring metrics.
Root Cause
The underlying defect is improper neutralization of formula elements in files processed by IBM Cognos Controller. The application writes user-supplied values into exported files without prefixing untrusted content with a safe character or stripping formula-initiator symbols. This maps directly to [CWE-1236].
Attack Vector
The attack is network-reachable through the Controller application interface. An authenticated attacker submits crafted data containing formula payloads. When another user, typically a finance or reporting role, opens the exported file, the payload executes commands in the user context. See the IBM Support advisory for vendor-confirmed technical details.
No public proof-of-concept or exploit code is currently available for CVE-2024-45084, and it is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-45084
Indicators of Compromise
- Exported Controller files (CSV, XLS, XLSX) containing cell values starting with =, +, -, or @ followed by functions such as DDE, HYPERLINK, WEBSERVICE, or IMPORTXML.
- Spawning of cmd.exe, powershell.exe, mshta.exe, or rundll32.exe as child processes of Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet applications on hosts running IBM Controller.
- Unexpected outbound network connections initiated shortly after Controller-generated files are opened by end users.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect files generated by IBM Controller for cells beginning with formula-initiator characters and review data submission logs for the accounts that produced them.
- Correlate spreadsheet application process telemetry with subsequent command shell or scripting engine execution to surface formula-triggered command execution.
- Baseline normal Controller export activity and flag deviations in file size, formula density, or recipient distribution.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Audit IBM Controller user submissions and file uploads for anomalous content patterns.
- Log and alert on child processes of Office applications on endpoints that consume Controller exports.
- Track authentication events for Controller accounts with content submission privileges and review any privilege changes.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-45084
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fix referenced in the IBM Support advisory for Cognos Controller 11.0.0 through 11.0.1 FP3 and IBM Controller 11.1.0.
- Restrict Controller submission and export privileges to users who require them for their role.
- Instruct users to review exported files before opening and to disable automatic formula evaluation in spreadsheet clients where feasible.
Patch Information
IBM has published remediation guidance at the IBM Support Page. Administrators should upgrade to the fixed version specified in that advisory. Confirm the patch level after upgrade and validate that exported files no longer preserve formula-initiator characters from untrusted input.
Workarounds
- Enforce input validation on Controller data submissions to reject or sanitize values beginning with =, +, -, @, or tab characters until patching is complete.
- Configure Microsoft Excel Trust Center settings to disable Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) and to block external content in files originating from Controller.
- Deliver Controller exports through channels that force spreadsheet clients to open files in Protected View.
# Configuration example: disable DDE in Excel via registry on Windows endpoints
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Excel\Security" /v WorkbookLinkWarnings /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Excel\Security" /v DisableDDEServerLaunch /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Excel\Security" /v DisableDDEServerLookup /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
