In March 2025, Microsoft disclosed a critical security vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-47164, affecting Microsoft Office. This flaw, categorized as a "use-after-free" vulnerability, allows unauthorized attackers to execute arbitrary code on a victim's system by exploiting how Office handles certain objects in memory.
Understanding Use-After-Free Vulnerabilities
A "use-after-free" vulnerability occurs when a program continues to use a pointer after it has been freed, leading to unpredictable behavior, including potential code execution. In the context of Microsoft Office, this means that an attacker could craft a malicious document that, when opened, triggers the use of memory that has already been freed, allowing the execution of arbitrary code.
Attack Vector and Exploitation
The attack vector for CVE-2025-47164 is local, requiring user interaction. An attacker would need to convince a user to open a specially crafted Office document, typically delivered via phishing emails or malicious websites. Notably, the Preview Pane is not an attack vector for this vulnerability, meaning that merely previewing the document does not trigger the exploit.
Affected Software and Severity
The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Microsoft Office, including:
- Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
- Microsoft Office LTSC 2024
- Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021 and 2024
Mitigation and Recommendations
As of the disclosure, Microsoft has not identified any mitigations or workarounds for this vulnerability. Therefore, it is crucial for users and organizations to apply the security updates provided by Microsoft to address this issue. Regularly updating software and educating users about the risks of opening unsolicited documents are essential steps in maintaining security.
Conclusion
CVE-2025-47164 underscores the importance of vigilance in cybersecurity practices. By understanding the nature of such vulnerabilities and taking proactive measures, users can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation.
Source: MSRC Security Update Guide - Microsoft Security Response Center