CVE-2021-27053: Microsoft Excel XLS File Parsing Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Mar 9, 2021
·
Updated

Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Other sources

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Microsoft Excel. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of XLS files. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process.

ZDI

Affected Software

22 affected componentsFixes available
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft 365 Apps
Microsoft Excel=2010-sp2
Microsoft Excel=2013-sp1
Microsoft Excel=2013-sp1
Microsoft Excel=2016
Microsoft Office=2019
Microsoft Office Online Server
Microsoft Office Web Apps=2013-sp1
Microsoft Excel 2013<15.0.5327.1000
15.0.5327.1000
Microsoft Excel 2010<14.0.7266.5000
14.0.7266.5000
Microsoft Excel 2013<15.0.5327.1000
15.0.5327.1000
Microsoft Office Web Apps Server 2013<15.0.5327.1000
15.0.5327.1000
Microsoft Excel 2016<16.0.5134.1000
16.0.5134.1000
Microsoft Excel 2016<16.0.5134.1000
16.0.5134.1000
Microsoft Excel 2010<14.0.7266.5000
14.0.7266.5000
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Excel 2013 RT
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Office Online Server<16.0.10372.20000
16.0.10372.20000
Microsoft Office 2019 for 32-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Office 2019 for 64-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 15.0.5327.1000Patch KB4493239
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 14.0.7266.5000Patch KB4504707
  3. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 15.0.5327.1000Patch KB4493234
  4. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 16.0.5134.1000Patch KB4493233
  5. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch KB4493239
  6. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
  7. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 16.0.10372.20000Patch KB4493229

Event History

Mar 9, 2021
CVE Published
via Microsoft·04:00 PM
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·04:00 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·04:00 PM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·04:00 PM
Description
Mar 11, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:46 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:46 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Mar 17, 2021
Advisory Published
via ZDI·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via ZDI·12:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2021-27053?

CVE-2021-27053 is a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Microsoft Excel.

2

How severe is CVE-2021-27053?

CVE-2021-27053 has a severity rating of 7.8, which is considered high.

3

Which versions of Microsoft Excel are affected by CVE-2021-27053?

Microsoft Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2013 RT, and Excel 2010 are affected by CVE-2021-27053.

4

How can I fix CVE-2021-27053?

To fix CVE-2021-27053, you should install the appropriate patches provided by Microsoft for your version of Microsoft Excel.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2021-27053?

You can find more information about CVE-2021-27053 on the Microsoft Security Guidance Advisory page and the Zero Day Initiative advisories.

Contact

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