CVE-2021-38655: Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Sep 14, 2021
·
Updated

Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Affected Software

21 affected componentsFixes available
Microsoft 365 Apps
Microsoft Excel=2013
Microsoft Excel=2013-sp1
Microsoft Excel=2016
Microsoft Office=2019
Microsoft Office Macos=2019
Microsoft Office Online Server
Microsoft Office Web Apps=2013-sp1
Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac<16.53.21091200
16.53.21091200
Microsoft Office Web Apps Server 2013<5381.1000
5381.1000
Microsoft Excel 2013<5381.1000
5381.1000
Microsoft Office 2019 for 64-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Excel 2013<5381.1000
5381.1000
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Excel 2013 RT<5381.1000
5381.1000
Microsoft Office Online Server<10378.20000
10378.20000
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Excel 2016<5215.1000
5215.1000
Microsoft Office 2019 for 32-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Excel 2016<5215.1000
5215.1000
Microsoft Excel

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 16.53.21091200
  2. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 5381.1000Patch KB5002009
  3. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 5381.1000Patch KB5002014
  4. Upgrade

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

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

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

    Fixed in 10378.20000Patch KB5001999
  6. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 5215.1000Patch KB5002003

Event History

Sep 14, 2021
CVE Published
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
Description
Sep 15, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·11:24 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·11:24 AM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·12:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Sep 16, 2021
Advisory Published
via ZDI·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via ZDI·12:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2021-38655?

CVE-2021-38655 is a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Microsoft Excel.

2

How severe is the CVE-2021-38655 vulnerability?

The severity of the CVE-2021-38655 vulnerability is rated as high, with a severity value of 7.8.

3

Which software is affected by CVE-2021-38655?

CVE-2021-38655 affects Microsoft Excel versions 2013, 2013-sp1, 2016, Office Web Apps Server 2013, 365 Apps for Enterprise (x86_64 and x86), Office 2019 for 32-bit and 64-bit editions, and Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021.

4

How can I fix the CVE-2021-38655 vulnerability?

To fix the CVE-2021-38655 vulnerability, apply the necessary patches or updates provided by Microsoft for the affected software versions.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2021-38655?

More information about CVE-2021-38655 can be found on the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) website and the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) website.

Contact

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