CVE-2026-45472
Microsoft · Office
A heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Office allows an unauthorized attacker to execute arbitrary code locally.
Executive summary
A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Microsoft Office presents a high risk of local code execution for users of the affected software.
Vulnerability
This is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability that allows an unauthorized, locally authenticated or local-context attacker to corrupt memory and potentially execute arbitrary code. The flaw exists within the core processing functions of the Office suite.
Business impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to a complete compromise of the workstation, potentially allowing for unauthorized data access, lateral movement within the network, or the installation of persistent malware. With a CVSS score of 8.4, this vulnerability is classified as High severity, indicating a significant risk to organizational integrity and confidentiality.
Remediation
Immediate Action: Prioritize the identification of vulnerable Office installations and apply the latest vendor security updates as soon as they become available.
Proactive Monitoring: Review endpoint security logs for signs of anomalous process execution or crashes associated with Office applications.
Compensating Controls: Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious child process spawning originating from Microsoft Office components.
Exploitation status
Public Exploit Available: false
Analyst recommendation
Given the severity of potential code execution, it is imperative that organizations track the vendor's security bulletin for the release of a patch. Administrators should prepare to deploy these updates across the enterprise environment immediately upon availability to mitigate the risk of local exploitation.