high
8.8
Advisory Published
Updated

CVE-2020-1218: Microsoft Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

First published: Fri Sep 11 2020(Updated: )

<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>

Credit: secure@microsoft.com secure@microsoft.com

Affected SoftwareAffected VersionHow to fix
Microsoft 365 Apps
Microsoft Office=2010-sp2
Microsoft Office=2016
Microsoft Office=2019
Microsoft Office=2019
Microsoft Office Online Server
Microsoft Office Web Apps=2010-sp2
Microsoft Office Web Apps=2013-sp1
Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server=2013-sp1
Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server=2016
Microsoft SharePoint Server=2010-sp2
Microsoft SharePoint Server=2019
Microsoft Word=2010-sp2
Microsoft Word=2013-sp1
Microsoft Word=2013-sp1
Microsoft Word=2016

Remedy

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1218

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Reference Links

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is CVE-2020-1218?

    CVE-2020-1218 is a remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft Word software when it fails to properly handle objects in memory.

  • How severe is CVE-2020-1218?

    CVE-2020-1218 has a severity rating of 8.8, which is considered high.

  • Which software versions are affected by CVE-2020-1218?

    CVE-2020-1218 affects various versions of Microsoft Office, Microsoft SharePoint, and Microsoft Word, including 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019.

  • How can I fix CVE-2020-1218?

    To fix CVE-2020-1218, it is recommended to apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft for affected software versions.

  • Where can I find more information about CVE-2020-1218?

    More information about CVE-2020-1218 can be found on the Microsoft Security Guidance Advisory page: https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1218

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