CVE-2025-24079 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 affecting Microsoft Office Word 2019 (version 19.0.0). This vulnerability arises when Office Word improperly manages memory, freeing an object while it is still in use, which can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code locally. The attack vector requires local access and user interaction, typically by convincing a user to open a specially crafted malicious Word document. No privileges or prior authentication are required, increasing the risk of exploitation in environments where users frequently handle external documents. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, allowing attackers to run code with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to system compromise or lateral movement within a network. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability is rated with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8, indicating high severity due to its potential impact and relatively low complexity of exploitation. Microsoft has not yet released a patch, but the vulnerability has been publicly disclosed and tracked by CISA, emphasizing the need for proactive mitigation. The flaw specifically affects Office 2019, a widely deployed productivity suite in enterprise and government sectors worldwide, including Europe.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-24079 can be substantial. Microsoft Office 2019 is extensively used across European enterprises, public administrations, and critical infrastructure sectors. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive data, disrupt business operations, or establish persistence within networks. This is particularly concerning for sectors handling confidential or regulated data, such as finance, healthcare, and government. The local attack vector requiring user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to trigger exploitation, increasing the risk in environments with less stringent email and document security policies. The vulnerability could also facilitate ransomware deployment or espionage activities. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, organizations may face operational downtime, data breaches, regulatory penalties under GDPR, and reputational damage.

1. Monitor Microsoft’s official channels closely and apply security patches immediately upon release to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are available, implement strict email filtering and attachment scanning to block or quarantine suspicious Word documents. 3. Disable macros and ActiveX controls in Office applications where not required, as these can be vectors for exploitation. 4. Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected documents, emphasizing verification of document sources. 5. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous process behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Use application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized code and scripts. 7. Enforce network segmentation to limit lateral movement if a local compromise occurs. 8. Regularly back up critical data and verify backup integrity to enable recovery in case of ransomware or destructive attacks. 9. Review and tighten group policies related to Office document handling and execution privileges. 10. Conduct simulated phishing campaigns to raise awareness and test user readiness against social engineering attacks.