CVE-2024-38189KEV · OVERDUECWE-20

Microsoft Project Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High · published August 13, 2024

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 94.9th percentile for exploit probability.

781
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
8.8
EPSS
8%
Percentile
94.9
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 A single vulnerable instance of Microsoft Project can let an attacker execute arbitrary code, like handing a stranger the key to your office! 🔥 Imagine you’re at a conference, and someone hands you a badge that lets you enter any room unrestricted. That’s essentially what this vulnerability does - it allows attackers to execute any code they want on your system without you ever knowing. 🏢 An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain full control over your system, allowing them to access sensitive data, install malicious software, or even disrupt operations entirely. The consequences could be absolutely devastating, especially for businesses relying on Microsoft Project for critical tasks.

Put simply

Imagine you’re at a conference, and someone hands you a badge that lets you enter any room unrestricted. That’s essentially what this vulnerability does - it allows attackers to execute any code they want on your system without you ever knowing. 🏢 CVE-2024-38189 is a remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft Project that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking a user into opening a specially crafted file. This flaw occurs due to improper validation of input, which can be leveraged for exploitation.

What to do

An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain full control over your system, allowing them to access sensitive data, install malicious software, or even disrupt operations entirely. The consequences could be absolutely devastating, especially for businesses relying on Microsoft Project for critical tasks. To protect yourself, ensure that your Microsoft Project is updated to the latest version, where this vulnerability has been patched. Additionally, educate users on the dangers of opening untrusted files and consider implementing strict email and file management policies. You've got this! Following these steps will help you secure your system and keep those pesky intruders at bay! 🛡️

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/E:F/RL:O/RC:C
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.08194 · 94.9th percentile
Weakness
CWE-20 · Improper Input Validation
Published
2024-08-13T17:30Z
KEV added
2024-08-13 · due 2024-09-03
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 13 AUG 17:30Z
    Microsoft Project Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
    cvelistv5
  • 13 AUG 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Sep 3
    kev