CVE-2020-16947: Microsoft Outlook HTML Email Out-Of-Bounds Read Information Disclosure Vulnerability
First published: Fri Oct 16 2020(Updated: )
<p>A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Outlook software when the software fails to properly handle objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in the context of the targeted user. If the targeted user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker could take control of the affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.</p> <p>Exploitation of the vulnerability requires that a user open a specially crafted file with an affected version of Microsoft Outlook 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 designed to exploit the vulnerability. An attacker would have no way to force users to visit the website. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to click a link, typically by way of an enticement in an email or instant message, and then convince them to open the specially crafted file.</p> <p>Note that where severity is indicated as Critical in the Affected Products table, the Preview Pane is an attack vector.</p> <p>The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Outlook handles objects in memory.</p>
Credit: secure@microsoft.com secure@microsoft.com
| Affected Software | Affected Version | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Outlook | ||
| Microsoft 365 Apps | ||
| Microsoft Office | =2019 | |
| Microsoft Outlook | =2016 |
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Reference Links
- https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16947
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-20-1250/
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-20-1249/
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/169961/Microsoft-Outlook-2019-16.0.13231.20262-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-us/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-16947
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2020-16947?
CVE-2020-16947 is a vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
What is the severity of CVE-2020-16947?
The severity of CVE-2020-16947 is critical with a CVSS score of 8.8.
How does CVE-2020-16947 affect Microsoft Outlook?
CVE-2020-16947 affects installations of Microsoft Outlook.
How can CVE-2020-16947 be exploited?
To exploit CVE-2020-16947, the target must open a malicious email or view it in the preview pane.
Are there any known fixes for CVE-2020-16947?
Microsoft has released security updates to fix CVE-2020-16947. Please refer to their security advisory for more information.
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