CVE-2021-40442: Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Nov 9, 2021
·
Updated

Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Affected Software

26 affected componentsFixes available
Microsoft 365 Apps
Microsoft Excel=2013-sp1
Microsoft Excel=2016
Microsoft Office=2019
Microsoft Office Macos=2019
Microsoft Office Long Term Servicing Channel=2021
Microsoft Office Long Term Servicing Channel Macos=2021
Microsoft Office Online Server
Microsoft Office Web Apps Server=2013-sp1
Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server=2013-sp1
Microsoft Excel 2013<15.0.5397.1001
15.0.5397.1001
Microsoft Office Web Apps Server 2013<15.0.5397.1001
15.0.5397.1001
Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021<16.55.21111400
16.55.21111400
Microsoft Excel 2016<16.0.5239.1001
16.0.5239.1001
Microsoft Excel 2013<15.0.5397.1001
15.0.5397.1001
Microsoft Office Online Server<16.0.10380.20000
16.0.10380.20000
Microsoft Excel 2013 RT<15.0.5397.1001
15.0.5397.1001
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Office LTSC 2021 for 64-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Office LTSC 2021 for 32-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Excel 2016<16.0.5239.1001
16.0.5239.1001
Microsoft Office 2019 for 64-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac<16.55.21111400
16.55.21111400
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Office 2019 for 32-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2013<15.0.5397.1001
15.0.5397.1001

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 15.0.5397.1001Patch KB5002072
  2. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 15.0.5397.1001Patch KB5002065
  3. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 16.55.21111400
  4. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 16.0.5239.1001Patch KB5002056
  5. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 16.0.10380.20000Patch KB5002053
  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 15.0.5397.1001Patch KB5002063

Event History

Nov 9, 2021
CVE Published
via Microsoft·08:00 AM
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·08:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·08:00 AM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·08:00 AM
Description
Nov 10, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:46 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:46 AM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·01:19 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2021-40442?

CVE-2021-40442 has been rated as critical due to its potential for remote code execution.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-40442?

To mitigate CVE-2021-40442, users should apply the latest security updates from Microsoft for affected software versions.

3

Which Microsoft products are affected by CVE-2021-40442?

CVE-2021-40442 affects various versions of Microsoft Excel, Office 2019, 2021, and Microsoft Office Online Server.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2021-40442?

CVE-2021-40442 is classified as a remote code execution vulnerability.

5

Can CVE-2021-40442 be exploited through email attachments?

Yes, CVE-2021-40442 can be exploited through malicious email attachments that execute code when opened.

Contact

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