Security researchers have identified a critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Office that is being actively exploited in the wild. The flaw allows attackers to execute malicious payloads simply by tricking a user into opening a specially crafted document.
Business Impact
This is a high-risk vulnerability for every organization using Office. It bypasses standard email hygiene if a user opens an attachment. Successful exploitation grants the attacker the same rights as the current user, often leading to initial access for ransomware or data theft.
Why It Happened
The vulnerability exists in how Office handles certain file formats or embedded objects. Attackers are using this to weaponize documents, likely delivered via phishing campaigns targeting corporate employees.
Recommended Executive Action
Direct IT to verify that the latest Microsoft Office updates (from this week’s Patch Tuesday) are successfully deployed to 100% of endpoints. Reinforce user training on not opening unexpected attachments, even from known contacts, until patching is confirmed.
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