#VU97016 Protection Mechanism Failure in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Publisher - CVE-2024-38226

Vulnerability identifier: #VU97016

Vulnerability risk: Critical

CVSSv4.0: 7 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:A/U:Red]

CVE-ID: CVE-2024-38226

CWE-ID: CWE-693

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 bypass implemented security restrictions.

The vulnerability exists due to insufficient implementation of security measures. An attacker can trick the victim into opening a specially crafted file, bypass Office macro policies restrictions 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: 2016, 2019

Microsoft Publisher: before 16.0.5465.1001, 16.0.5465.1001

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External links
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2024-38226

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote authenticated user via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.