CVE-2026-40863

What it is

PhpSpreadsheet is a pure PHP library for reading and writing spreadsheet files. Prior to 1.30.4, 2.1.16, 2.4.5, 3.10.5, and 5.7.0, the SpreadsheetML XML reader (Reader\Xml) does not validate the ss:Index row attribute against the maximum allowed row count (AddressRange::MAX_ROW = 1,048,576). An attacker can craft a SpreadsheetML XML file with ss:Index="999999999" on a <Row> element, which inflates the internal cachedHighestRow to ~1 billion. Any subsequent call to getRowIterator() without an explicit end row will attempt to iterate ~1 billion rows, causing CPU exhaustion and denial of service. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.30.4, 2.1.16, 2.4.5, 3.10.5, and 5.7.0.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-05-12 22:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-26 18:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.5 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-05-12 22:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-26 18:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-770 · Allocation without limits

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Phpoffice Phpspreadsheet < 1.30.4
• Phpoffice Phpspreadsheet < 2.1.16
• Phpoffice Phpspreadsheet < 2.4.5
• Phpoffice Phpspreadsheet < 3.10.5
• Phpoffice Phpspreadsheet < 5.7.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.5

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-40863.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-40863. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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