CVE-2025-53784 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 vulnerability occurs when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. In this case, the flaw allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally without requiring any privileges or user interaction, which is unusual and increases the risk. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.4 reflects a high severity, with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). The vulnerability was published on August 12, 2025, with no known exploits in the wild at the time of disclosure. The absence of patches at the time of reporting means organizations must be vigilant and prepare for imminent updates. This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker with local access to the system, such as through compromised credentials or physical access, to gain full control over the affected system. The flaw resides in the way Microsoft Word manages memory, specifically freeing objects prematurely and then accessing them, which can corrupt memory and allow code execution. This type of vulnerability is critical in environments where Microsoft 365 Apps are widely deployed, as it can lead to significant breaches if exploited.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-53784 is substantial. Since Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise is widely used across Europe in both private and public sectors, a successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, data breaches, and disruption of business operations. The vulnerability affects confidentiality by allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information, integrity by enabling attackers to alter data or system configurations, and availability by potentially causing system crashes or denial of service. Given that no user interaction or privileges are required, the attack surface is broad, especially in environments where local access controls are weak or where insider threats exist. Critical infrastructure, government agencies, financial institutions, and large enterprises relying on Microsoft Office productivity tools are particularly at risk. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for mitigation, but the high severity score indicates that exploitation could have severe consequences, including ransomware deployment or espionage activities. The impact is amplified in sectors with strict regulatory requirements like GDPR, where data breaches can lead to heavy fines and reputational damage.

1. Monitor Microsoft security advisories closely and apply official patches immediately once released to address CVE-2025-53784. 2. Restrict local access to systems running Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, enforcing strict access controls and least privilege principles to reduce the risk of local exploitation. 3. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block suspicious behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Conduct regular memory and process integrity monitoring on critical systems to identify anomalies caused by use-after-free exploits. 5. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local access vulnerabilities and enforce strong physical security policies to prevent unauthorized access. 6. Use network segmentation to isolate critical systems and limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 7. Review and harden group policies related to Microsoft Office macros and scripting features to reduce attack vectors. 8. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing local privilege escalation and code execution scenarios involving Microsoft Office products.