CVE-2026-78517: Microsoft Office Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Sep 8, 2026
·
Updated

Heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Office Word allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.

Other sources

Microsoft Office Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Microsoft

Affected Software

14 affected componentsFixes available
Microsoft Microsoft Office Word
Microsoft Word 2016<16.0.5569.1000
16.0.5569.1000
Microsoft Word 2016<16.0.5569.1000
16.0.5569.1000
Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2024
Microsoft Office LTSC 2024 for 64-bit editions<16.0.17932.20960
16.0.17932.20960
Microsoft Office LTSC 2021 for 32-bit editions<16.0.14334.20896
16.0.14334.20896
Microsoft Office LTSC 2021 for 64-bit editions<16.0.14334.20896
16.0.14334.20896
Microsoft Office LTSC 2024 for 32-bit editions<16.0.17932.20960
16.0.17932.20960
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise<16.0.20326.20136
16.0.20326.20136
Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise<16.0.20326.20136
16.0.20326.20136
Microsoft Office 2019 for 32-bit editions<16.0.10417.20204
16.0.10417.20204
Microsoft Office 2019 for 64-bit editions<16.0.10417.20204
16.0.10417.20204
Microsoft Office 365 for Mac

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 16.0.5569.1000Patch KB5002923
  2. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 16.0.17932.20960
  3. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 16.0.14334.20896
  4. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 16.0.20326.20136
  5. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 16.0.10417.20204

Event History

Sep 8, 2026
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
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:13 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:13 PM
DescriptionSeverity

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What does an attacker need to exploit this issue?

The attacker does not need privileges and can target the vulnerability over a network, but exploitation requires user interaction.

2

Which deployments should be checked for exposure?

Check Microsoft Word 2016, Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, Microsoft Office Word, Office LTSC 2021 for 32-bit and 64-bit editions, Office LTSC 2024 for 32-bit and 64-bit editions, and Office LTSC for Mac 2024.

3

Are Mac systems included in the affected software list?

Yes. Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2024 is listed as affected.

Contact

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