Backdoor to select a protected cell

Posted by: mhill on 23 January 2025, 5:26 am EST

  • Posted 23 January 2025, 5:26 am EST - Updated 23 January 2025, 5:33 am EST

    Hi. I am using SpreadJS 14 with the Designer Component.

    I have a protected sheet with protected cells on it.

    On the Protect Sheet dialog I have unchecked the “Selected locked cells” option such that you should not be able to put focus on protected cells.

    Mostly this works ok, but I have found that if you type the cell coordinates into the cell-name/reference input field (to the far left of the formula input field) then you can use this to force the focus onto a protected cell.

    This matters because I will be a posting a separate issue with a backdoor I’ve found to allow a user to very easily unlock a locked cell once it has focus.

    Thanks.

    Mark

  • Posted 24 January 2025, 5:49 am EST

    Hi Mark,

    We have reviewed the behaviour you described and were able to replicate it on our end. It is important to note that this behaviour aligns with Excel’s implementation. Hence implemented by design.

    • The “Select locked cells” option under sheet protection controls whether users can directly select or navigate to locked cells using the mouse or keyboard.

    • However, the Name Box is a direct navigation tool that overrides selection restrictions. It allows users to input a cell reference and jump to it, regardless of whether the cell is locked or unlocked.

    • While you can move to a locked cell using the Name Box, you still cannot edit the cell or make changes to its content if the sheet is protected.

    This functionality ensures flexibility for users who may need to review or view cell contents without editing them.

    Regards,

    Ankit

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