CVE-2020-1338: Microsoft Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

DescriptionCVE.org

<p>A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Word software when it fails to properly handle objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could use a specially crafted file to perform actions in the security context of the current user. For example, the file could then take actions on behalf of the logged-on user with the same permissions as the current user.</p> <p>To exploit the vulnerability, a user must open a specially crafted file with an affected version of Microsoft Word software. In an email attack scenario, an attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending the specially crafted file to the user and convincing the user to open the file. In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a website (or leverage a compromised website that accepts or hosts user-provided content) that contains a specially crafted file that is designed to exploit the vulnerability. However, an attacker would have no way to force the user to visit the website. Instead, an attacker would have to convince the user to click a link, typically by way of an enticement in an email or Instant Messenger message, and then convince the user to open the specially crafted file.</p> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Microsoft Word handles files in memory.</p>

• Microsoft · Microsoft SharePoint Server 2019from 16.0.0 before publication
• Microsoft · Microsoft Office 2019from 19.0.0 before https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
• Microsoft · Microsoft Office 2019 for Macfrom 16.0.0 before publication
• Microsoft · Microsoft Office Online Serverfrom 16.0.1 before publication
• Microsoft · Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprisefrom 16.0.1 before https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
• Microsoft · Microsoft Office 2016 for Macfrom 16.0.0 before publication

Exploitation

Possible (1 to 10%). EPSS between 1% and 10%.

CISA KEV

Not listed

Public check

No public nuclei template

Vendor

Microsoft

Published

September 2020

Band

Possible (1 to 10%), September 2020

• NVD entrynvd.nist.gov
• CVE recordcve.org
• portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2portal.msrc.microsoft.com