CVE-2026-21514KEV · OVERDUECWE-807

Microsoft Word Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability

High · published February 10, 2026

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 7.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 75.4th percentile for exploit probability.

235
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
7.8
EPSS
2%
Percentile
75.4
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚡ An unauthorized attacker can bypass security features in Microsoft Word just by using untrusted inputs — like letting someone pick the locks on your office without a key! 🔓 Imagine your office has a visitor log, but anyone can waltz in and sign in as someone else — that’s what this vulnerability allows! It’s like allowing a fox to guard the henhouse without checking who it really is. This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access and modifications of sensitive documents, putting your critical data at risk. An attacker could easily exploit these weaknesses, leading to potential data breaches or malicious alterations in your documents.

Put simply

Imagine your office has a visitor log, but anyone can waltz in and sign in as someone else — that’s what this vulnerability allows! It’s like allowing a fox to guard the henhouse without checking who it really is. This flaw in Microsoft Word relies on untrusted inputs in security decisions, enabling local attackers to bypass essential security features meant to protect your files from tampering or unauthorized access.

What to do

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access and modifications of sensitive documents, putting your critical data at risk. An attacker could easily exploit these weaknesses, leading to potential data breaches or malicious alterations in your documents. Update Microsoft Office to the latest version immediately to close this vulnerability. Implement strict input validation practices and consider restricting access to sensitive documents. Regularly review and audit your security policies to ensure they remain robust. You've got this! Follow these steps and you'll be well on your way to shoring up your defenses! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
7.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/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
0.01587 · 75.4th percentile
Weakness
CWE-807 · Reliance on Untrusted Inputs in a Security Decision
Published
2026-02-10T17:51Z
KEV added
2026-02-10 · due 2026-03-03
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 10 FEB 17:51Z
    Microsoft Word Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
    cvelistv5
  • 10 FEB 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Mar 3
    kev