CVE-2023-32029 is a vulnerability classified as CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) found in Microsoft Excel component of Microsoft Office 2019 (version 19.0.0). This vulnerability allows an attacker to craft a malicious Excel file that, when opened by a user, triggers an out-of-bounds read condition. This memory corruption can lead to remote code execution (RCE), enabling the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Excel. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates the attack requires local access (AV:L), no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no public exploits are known at the time of publication, the vulnerability is significant due to the potential for full system compromise. The vulnerability was reserved in early May 2023 and published in mid-June 2023. No patches were linked in the provided information, indicating organizations should monitor Microsoft advisories closely for updates. The vulnerability arises from improper bounds checking in Excel’s processing of file data, allowing memory reads outside intended buffers, which can be leveraged to execute malicious payloads.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-32029 is substantial due to the widespread use of Microsoft Office 2019 in business, government, and critical infrastructure sectors. Successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, data theft, ransomware deployment, or disruption of operations. Confidentiality breaches could expose sensitive corporate or personal data, while integrity violations could corrupt critical documents or systems. Availability impacts could result from system crashes or malware-induced outages. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious Excel file) means phishing or social engineering campaigns are likely attack vectors. Given the high integration of Microsoft Office in European workplaces, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to productivity and data security. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government are particularly vulnerable due to the sensitivity of their data and regulatory requirements like GDPR.

1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories and apply official patches immediately once released for Microsoft Office 2019, specifically version 19.0.0. 2. Implement strict email filtering and attachment scanning to block or quarantine suspicious Excel files, especially from unknown or untrusted sources. 3. Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected Excel attachments and encourage verification of file sources. 4. Employ application control or whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized macros or code within Office documents. 5. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to memory corruption or exploitation attempts. 6. Consider disabling or limiting legacy features in Excel that are not required, reducing the attack surface. 7. Regularly back up critical data and test recovery procedures to mitigate impact of potential ransomware or destructive attacks leveraging this vulnerability.