CVE-2019-1297KEV · OVERDUE

Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High · published September 11, 2019

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 8.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 97.6th percentile for exploit probability.

1681
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
8.8
EPSS
22%
Percentile
97.6
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 One tiny oversight in how Excel handles objects in memory could let attackers execute code remotely! 🎯 Think of it like a restaurant server who forgets to check the kitchen orders before serving — they might accidentally deliver a dish that wasn’t meant for that table, potentially poisoning the patrons! 🍽️ This vulnerability could allow an attacker to run malicious code on the victim’s system, leading to data theft, unauthorized access, or even complete system control. Imagine a hacker strolling into your digital files and wreaking havoc — absolutely devastating!

Put simply

Think of it like a restaurant server who forgets to check the kitchen orders before serving — they might accidentally deliver a dish that wasn’t meant for that table, potentially poisoning the patrons! 🍽️ The vulnerability arises when Microsoft Excel incorrectly manages objects in memory, allowing attackers to craft a malicious file that, when opened, executes arbitrary code on the system.

What to do

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to run malicious code on the victim’s system, leading to data theft, unauthorized access, or even complete system control. Imagine a hacker strolling into your digital files and wreaking havoc — absolutely devastating! Immediately update to the latest version of Microsoft Excel to mitigate the risk. Additionally, educate users to be cautious about opening suspicious files or emails. Implementing robust endpoint protection can also help catch potential threats! You’ve got this! With these steps, you’ll be protecting your data like a pro in no time! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
8.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.21805 · 97.6th percentile
Published
2019-09-11T21:25Z
KEV added
2022-03-03 · due 2022-03-17
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 03 MAR 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Mar 17
    kev
  • 11 SEP 21:25Z
    A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Excel software when the software fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Microsoft Excel…
    cvelistv5