#VU72168 Security features bypass in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Publisher


Published: 2023-02-14

Vulnerability identifier: #VU72168

Vulnerability risk: Critical

CVSSv3.1: 8.4 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:H/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2023-21715

CWE-ID: CWE-254

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Microsoft Office
Client/Desktop applications / Office applications
Microsoft Publisher
Client/Desktop applications / Office applications

Vendor: Microsoft

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to compromise the affected system.

The vulnerability exists due to unspecified error when processing files. A remote attacker can trick the victim to open a specially crafted file, bypass Office macro policies used to block untrusted or malicious files and execute arbitrary code on the system.

Note, the vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild.


Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Microsoft Office: 365

Microsoft Publisher: 16.0.12325.20264 - 16.0.16026.20170


External links
http://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2023-21715


Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.


Latest bulletins with this vulnerability