CVE-2026-20953: Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Other sources
Use after free in Microsoft Office allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally.
— Microsoft
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 16.0.5535.1000Patch KB5002826 - Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 16.105.26011018
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-20953?
CVE-2026-20953 is classified as a critical vulnerability due to its potential to allow remote code execution.
How do I fix CVE-2026-20953?
To remediate CVE-2026-20953, apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft for affected versions of Office.
What types of Microsoft Office products are affected by CVE-2026-20953?
CVE-2026-20953 affects multiple versions of Microsoft Office, including Office 2016, Office 2019, Office LTSC 2021, and Office LTSC 2024.
Can CVE-2026-20953 be exploited without user interaction?
Yes, CVE-2026-20953 can be exploited through malicious documents that cause the affected Office software to execute harmful code.
What does 'use after free' mean in the context of CVE-2026-20953?
'Use after free' in CVE-2026-20953 refers to a programming flaw where the software continues to use a memory resource after it has been freed, potentially leading to code execution vulnerabilities.