CVE-2000-0277: High severity Microsoft Excel vulnerability

Published Apr 3, 2000
·
Updated

Microsoft Excel 97 and 2000 does not warn the user when executing Excel Macro Language (XLM) macros in external text files, which could allow an attacker to execute a macro virus, aka the "XLM Text Macro" vulnerability.

Affected Software

2 affected components
Microsoft Excel=2000
Microsoft Excel=97

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Configuration

    Configure Excel to disable execution of Excel Macro Language (XLM) macros embedded in external text files or to always prompt/warn the user before executing such macros.

    Microsoft Excel XLM macro execution from external text files = disabled or warn
  2. Compensating control

    Do not open external text files from untrusted sources. If such files must be examined, open them only in an isolated or sandboxed environment to prevent potential macro virus execution.

Event History

Apr 3, 2000
CVE Published
04:00 AM
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Jun 2, 2000
CVE Published
via MITRE·08:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·08:00 AM
Description

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2000-0277?

CVE-2000-0277 is considered a high severity vulnerability due to the risk of macro viruses being executed without user consent.

2

How do I fix CVE-2000-0277?

To fix CVE-2000-0277, users should apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft for Excel 97 and 2000.

3

What does CVE-2000-0277 affect?

CVE-2000-0277 affects Microsoft Excel 97 and 2000, specifically regarding the execution of XLM macros from external text files.

4

What type of attack does CVE-2000-0277 allow?

CVE-2000-0277 allows attackers to execute macro viruses via XLM macros in external files without user warnings.

5

Is there a workaround for CVE-2000-0277?

A potential workaround for CVE-2000-0277 is to disable macros in Excel settings to prevent execution of unknown macros.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203