CVE-2021-28453: Microsoft Word DOC File Parsing Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Apr 13, 2021
·
Updated

Microsoft Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Other sources

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Microsoft Word. 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 DOC 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

36 affected componentsFixes available
Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2013
Microsoft Word 2010
Microsoft Word 2013
Microsoft Word 2016
Microsoft Word 2016
Microsoft SharePoint Server 2019
Microsoft Office Online Server
Microsoft Word 2013
Microsoft Word 2010
Microsoft Office Web Apps 2010
Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010
Microsoft Office Web Apps Server 2013
Microsoft Office 2019 for 32-bit editions
Microsoft Office 2019 for 64-bit editions
Microsoft Word 2013 RT
Microsoft Word
Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016
Microsoft Office 2010
Microsoft Office 2010
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
Microsoft 365 Apps
Microsoft Office=2019
Microsoft Office Macos=2019
Microsoft Office Online Server
Microsoft Office Web Apps=2010-sp2
Microsoft Office Web Apps Server=2013-sp1
Microsoft SharePoint Server=2010-sp2
Microsoft SharePoint Server=2013-sp1
Microsoft SharePoint Server=2016
Microsoft SharePoint Server=2019
Microsoft Word=2010-sp2
Microsoft Word=2013-sp1
Microsoft Word=2013-sp1
Microsoft Word=2016
Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac

Event History

Apr 13, 2021
CVE Published
via Microsoft·07:00 AM
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·07:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
CVE Published
via MITRE·07:33 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·07:33 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Feb 23, 2025
Advisory Published
via ZDI·10:17 AM
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2021-28453?

CVE-2021-28453 is a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Microsoft Word.

2

How does CVE-2021-28453 work?

CVE-2021-28453 works by exploiting a use-after-free vulnerability in the parsing of DOC files in Microsoft Word.

3

Is user interaction required to exploit CVE-2021-28453?

Yes, user interaction is required to exploit CVE-2021-28453. The target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.

4

Which versions of Microsoft Word are affected by CVE-2021-28453?

CVE-2021-28453 affects Microsoft Word 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019.

5

How can I fix CVE-2021-28453?

To fix CVE-2021-28453, apply the security patches provided by Microsoft for the affected versions of Microsoft Word.

Contact

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