{"id":"CVE-2026-97017","published":"2026-10-13T19:22:10.647","lastModified":"2026-10-15T21:19:27.383","description":"Use after free in Microsoft Office Excel allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.","cvssScore":8.8,"cvssSeverity":"HIGH","cvssVector":"CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H","cwes":["CWE-416"],"vendors":["microsoft"],"products":["365 apps","microsoft 365","office 2021","office 2024","office online server"],"references":[{"url":"https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-97017","tags":["Patch","Vendor Advisory"]}],"exploitRefs":[],"hasPoc":false,"ai":{"summary":"A use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Office Excel allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code when a malicious file is opened. This flaw occurs when the application frees memory that is still being referenced, potentially leading to remote code execution with high impact.","exploitability":"Exploitation requires a user to open a specially crafted Excel file, making it moderately difficult but achievable through social engineering or phishing campaigns.","blast_radius":"If exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute code on affected systems with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially leading to full system compromise across Microsoft 365 apps and Office versions.","remediation":"Deploy the Microsoft security update KB5042187 for Excel 2021 and Office 2024, or upgrade to Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise version 2405 or later.","detection":"No reliable host or network indicator is derivable from the published description.","tags":["rce","excel","office","remote"],"model":"garnet-coder","analyzedAt":"2026-10-18T10:19:45.454Z"}}