CVE-2021-31941: Microsoft Excel XLS File Parsing Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Jun 8, 2021
·
Updated

Microsoft Office Graphics 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.

Affected Software

19 affected componentsFixes available
Microsoft Outlook 2013 RT
Microsoft Office 2013
Microsoft Office 2013
Microsoft Office 2019 for 32-bit editions
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office 2019 for 64-bit editions
Microsoft Office 2016
Microsoft Office 2016
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
Microsoft 365 Apps
Microsoft Office=2013-sp1
Microsoft Office=2013-sp1
Microsoft Office=2016
Microsoft Office=2019
Microsoft Office Macos=2019
Microsoft Outlook=2013-sp1
Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac
Microsoft Office 2013 RT

Event History

Jun 8, 2021
CVE Published
via Microsoft·07:00 AM
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·07:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:46 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:46 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Feb 23, 2025
Advisory Published
via ZDI·10:12 AM
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2021-31941?

CVE-2021-31941 is a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Microsoft Excel.

2

How can this vulnerability be exploited?

To exploit this vulnerability, the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.

3

What is the severity level of CVE-2021-31941?

CVE-2021-31941 has a severity level of high.

4

Which versions of Microsoft Excel are affected by CVE-2021-31941?

Microsoft Office 2013, 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise are affected by CVE-2021-31941.

5

How can I fix CVE-2021-31941?

You can fix CVE-2021-31941 by applying the security updates provided by Microsoft.

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