CVE-2026-20948: Microsoft Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Jan 13, 2026
·
Updated

Microsoft Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Other sources

Untrusted pointer dereference in Microsoft Office Word allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally.

Microsoft

Affected Software

42 affected componentsFixes available
Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2024
Microsoft Word 2016
Microsoft Word 2016
Microsoft Office LTSC 2024 for 64-bit editions
Microsoft Office LTSC 2021 for 64-bit editions
Microsoft Office LTSC 2024 for 32-bit editions
Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
Microsoft Office LTSC 2021 for 32-bit editions
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
Microsoft SharePoint Server 2019
Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016
Microsoft Office 2019 for 64-bit editions
Microsoft Office 2019 for 32-bit editions
Microsoft 365 Apps
Microsoft 365 Apps
Microsoft Office=2019
Microsoft Office=2019
Microsoft Office Long Term Servicing Channel=2021
Microsoft Office Long Term Servicing Channel=2021
Microsoft Office Long Term Servicing Channel Macos=2021
Microsoft Office Long Term Servicing Channel=2024
Microsoft Office Long Term Servicing Channel=2024
Microsoft Office Long Term Servicing Channel Macos=2024
Microsoft SharePoint Server=2016
Microsoft SharePoint Server=2019
Microsoft Word=2016
Microsoft Word=2016
Microsoft Word 2016<16.0.5535.1000
16.0.5535.1000
Microsoft Office LTSC 2021 for 64-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Word 2016<16.0.5535.1000
16.0.5535.1000
Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021<16.105.26011018
16.105.26011018
Microsoft Office LTSC 2021 for 32-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft SharePoint Server 2019<16.0.10417.20083
16.0.10417.20083
Microsoft Office 2019 for 64-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2024<16.105.26011018
16.105.26011018
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016<16.0.5535.1001, <16.0.5535.1000
16.0.5535.100116.0.5535.1000
Microsoft Office 2019 for 32-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Office LTSC 2024 for 32-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Office LTSC 2024 for 64-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise<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 16.0.5535.1000Patch KB5002829
  2. Upgrade

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

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

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

    Fixed in 16.105.26011018
  4. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 16.0.10417.20083Patch KB5002823
  5. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 16.0.5535.1001Fixed in 16.0.5535.1000Patch KB5002827

Event History

Jan 13, 2026
CVE Published
via Microsoft·08:00 AM
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·08:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·08:00 AM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·04:00 PM
Description
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:57 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:57 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·06:16 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-20948?

CVE-2026-20948 is categorized as a critical vulnerability due to its potential for remote code execution.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-20948?

To fix CVE-2026-20948, install the latest patches provided by Microsoft for the affected versions of Word and Office.

3

Which versions of Microsoft Word are affected by CVE-2026-20948?

CVE-2026-20948 affects Microsoft Word 2016, Office LTSC 2021, Office LTSC 2024, and various editions of Office 2019.

4

Can CVE-2026-20948 be exploited without user interaction?

Yes, CVE-2026-20948 can be exploited without user interaction if a malicious file is opened.

5

What type of attack does CVE-2026-20948 facilitate?

CVE-2026-20948 facilitates remote code execution attacks that may allow an unauthorized attacker to run code on the victim's machine.

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