CVE-2025-24077 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 found in Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, specifically in Microsoft Word version 16.0.1. A use-after-free flaw occurs when a program continues to use a pointer after the memory it points to has been freed, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service. In this case, the vulnerability allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally by convincing a user to open a specially crafted malicious Word document. The vulnerability requires user interaction (opening the document) but does not require any privileges or authentication, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects high severity, with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high). The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have local access or convince the user to open the document. The vulnerability is currently published but has no known exploits in the wild. Microsoft has not yet released a patch, but the vulnerability is recognized by CISA and Microsoft’s security teams, indicating that a fix is likely forthcoming. The flaw could be exploited to run arbitrary code with the privileges of the user, potentially leading to full system compromise if the user has administrative rights. This vulnerability is particularly concerning given the ubiquity of Microsoft 365 Apps in enterprise environments worldwide.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-24077 is significant due to the widespread use of Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise across both public and private sectors. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive data, manipulate documents, install malware, or disrupt operations. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers could access protected information; integrity is compromised through unauthorized modification of files or system settings; and availability could be affected if the exploit causes crashes or denial of service. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to trigger the exploit. Critical infrastructure sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and manufacturing in Europe rely heavily on Microsoft Office tools, increasing the potential for impactful attacks. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for organizations to prepare defenses, but the high severity score and ease of exploitation once a malicious document is opened make this a pressing concern.

1. Apply official patches from Microsoft immediately upon release to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are available, implement strict macro and document content controls via Group Policy or endpoint management solutions to block or warn on opening documents from untrusted sources. 3. Employ application whitelisting or allowlisting to restrict execution of unauthorized code and scripts. 4. Enhance email filtering and phishing detection to reduce the likelihood of malicious documents reaching end users. 5. Conduct user awareness training focused on the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious Office documents. 6. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 7. Restrict local user privileges to limit the impact of code execution if exploitation occurs. 8. Consider sandboxing or opening suspicious documents in isolated environments to prevent lateral movement. 9. Maintain up-to-date backups to recover from potential ransomware or destructive payloads delivered via this vulnerability.