csv-formula-injection

Spreadsheet formula injection occurs when CSV data containing formulas executes automatically in Excel, LibreOffice, or Google Sheets. It happens when user-supplied data containing characters like = or + triggers DDE commands or external calls upon import.

Prevent CSV formula injection by applying encoding, escaping, and data validation techniques to sanitize user fields before export. This neutralizes malicious characters in data pipelines, ensuring spreadsheets do not execute inadvertent formulas.

Test spreadsheet formula injection safely by applying lab-safe testing patterns with sample cells like =1+1. This identifies DDE and external-call injection vectors in isolated CSV exports without risking production systems.

Yes, Google Sheets supports formula injection risks through IMPORT* functions when importing CSV files. It evaluates malicious formulas if user fields are not properly validated and escaped before entering the spreadsheet workflow.

Excel executes formulas when opening a CSV file because it automatically evaluates cells starting with characters like = as formulas or DDE commands. Without proper escaping or encoding during export, this leads to inadvertent formula execution.

Data validation limitations include the challenge of sanitizing all dangerous prefixes like =, +, -, and @ across diverse user inputs. Escaping and encoding must be applied consistently across all data pipelines to prevent external calls and DDE injection effectively.