CVE-2026-40359: Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published May 12, 2026
·
Updated

Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Other sources

Use after free in Microsoft Office Excel allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally.

Microsoft

Affected Software

27 affected componentsFixes available
Microsoft Microsoft Excel
Microsoft 365 Apps
Microsoft 365 Apps
Microsoft Excel=2016
Microsoft Excel=2016
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 Office Online Server<16.0.10417.20128
Microsoft Excel 2016<16.0.5552.1000
16.0.5552.1000
Microsoft Excel 2016<16.0.5552.1000
16.0.5552.1000
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 Office LTSC for Mac 2024<16.109.26051019
16.109.26051019
Microsoft Office LTSC 2021 for 32-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Office 2019 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
Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021<16.109.26051019
16.109.26051019
Microsoft Office LTSC 2021 for 64-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Office 2019 for 32-bit editions<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise<https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases
Microsoft Office Online Server<16.0.10417.20128
16.0.10417.20128

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 16.0.5552.1000Patch KB5002865
  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 16.109.26051019
  4. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 16.0.10417.20128Patch KB5002871

Event History

May 12, 2026
CVE Published
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
Description
CVE Published
via MITRE·04:59 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·04:59 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·06:17 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
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 the severity of CVE-2026-40359?

CVE-2026-40359 is classified as a critical vulnerability that allows remote code execution in Microsoft Excel.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-40359?

To fix CVE-2026-40359, users should apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft for their affected version of Excel.

3

Which versions of Microsoft Excel are affected by CVE-2026-40359?

CVE-2026-40359 affects multiple versions of Microsoft Excel, including Excel 2016, Office LTSC 2021 and 2024, and Office 2019.

4

What type of attack does CVE-2026-40359 allow?

CVE-2026-40359 allows unauthorized attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system through a maliciously crafted Excel file.

5

Is there a workaround for CVE-2026-40359?

Currently, the best mitigation for CVE-2026-40359 is to update to the latest security patch provided by Microsoft as no temporary workaround is documented.

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