CVE-2026-81952: Microsoft 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 Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Microsoft

Affected Software

13 affected componentsFixes available
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise<16.0.20326.20136
16.0.20326.20136
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 Office LTSC 2024 for 64-bit editions<16.0.17932.20960
16.0.17932.20960
Microsoft Office 2016<16.0.5569.1003
16.0.5569.1003
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise<16.0.20326.20136
16.0.20326.20136
Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021
Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2024
Microsoft Office 2019 for 32-bit editions<16.0.10417.20204
16.0.10417.20204
Microsoft Office 2016<16.0.5569.1003
16.0.5569.1003
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 16.0.20326.20136
  2. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 16.0.14334.20896
  3. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 16.0.17932.20960
  4. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 16.0.5569.1003Patch KB5002916
  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
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·02:00 PM
Description
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:19 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:19 PM
DescriptionSeverity

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What must an attacker do to exploit this vulnerability?

The attacker must cause a user to interact with malicious content. The vulnerability is reachable over a network and does not require the attacker to authenticate or hold privileges on the target system.

2

Which deployments are in scope?

The affected software list includes Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise; Microsoft Office 2016; Office LTSC 2021 and 2024 for 32-bit and 64-bit editions; and Office LTSC for Mac 2021 and 2024.

3

What is the potential impact if exploitation succeeds?

Successful exploitation allows code execution and is rated High with a CVSS score of 8.8. The supplied vector indicates high potential impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Contact

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