CVE-2025-54910: CWE-122: Heap-based Buffer Overflow in Microsoft Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
Heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Office allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-54910 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, specifically version 16.0.1. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of heap memory within Microsoft Office components, allowing an attacker to overwrite memory buffers beyond their allocated size. This memory corruption can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. Notably, the vulnerability does not require any privileges or user interaction, meaning an attacker with local access can trigger the flaw without needing to trick a user or escalate privileges first. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.4 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with low attack complexity and no required privileges or user interaction. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability is classified as critical due to the potential for complete system compromise. The vulnerability is tracked under CWE-122, which denotes heap-based buffer overflows, a common and dangerous class of memory corruption bugs. The lack of available patches at the time of publication increases the urgency for organizations to implement interim mitigations and monitor for suspicious activity. This vulnerability affects a widely deployed enterprise productivity suite, increasing the potential attack surface significantly.
Potential Impact
If exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code locally, potentially leading to full system compromise. This includes unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification or deletion of critical files, and disruption of services. Since the vulnerability requires no privileges or user interaction, it can be exploited by any local attacker, including malicious insiders or malware that has gained limited access. The widespread use of Microsoft 365 Apps in enterprises globally means that a successful exploit could impact a large number of organizations, leading to data breaches, operational disruptions, and reputational damage. Critical sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and technology are particularly at risk due to their reliance on Microsoft Office products and the sensitive nature of their data. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the potential for rapid weaponization remains high.
Mitigation Recommendations
Until an official patch is released, organizations should implement strict access controls to limit local access to systems running the affected Microsoft 365 Apps version. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor and block suspicious behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. Disable or restrict macros and other potentially risky Office features that could be leveraged to trigger the vulnerability. Conduct thorough audits of local user privileges and remove unnecessary administrative rights to reduce the impact of a local exploit. Maintain up-to-date backups and ensure incident response plans are ready to address potential compromises. Once Microsoft releases a patch, prioritize immediate deployment across all affected systems. Additionally, educate users about the risks of local threats and encourage vigilance against unauthorized access. Network segmentation can also help contain potential breaches originating from exploited endpoints.
Affected Countries
United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, India, Brazil, Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore
CVE-2025-54910: CWE-122: Heap-based Buffer Overflow in Microsoft Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
Description
Heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Office allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-54910 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, specifically version 16.0.1. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of heap memory within Microsoft Office components, allowing an attacker to overwrite memory buffers beyond their allocated size. This memory corruption can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. Notably, the vulnerability does not require any privileges or user interaction, meaning an attacker with local access can trigger the flaw without needing to trick a user or escalate privileges first. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.4 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with low attack complexity and no required privileges or user interaction. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability is classified as critical due to the potential for complete system compromise. The vulnerability is tracked under CWE-122, which denotes heap-based buffer overflows, a common and dangerous class of memory corruption bugs. The lack of available patches at the time of publication increases the urgency for organizations to implement interim mitigations and monitor for suspicious activity. This vulnerability affects a widely deployed enterprise productivity suite, increasing the potential attack surface significantly.
Potential Impact
If exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code locally, potentially leading to full system compromise. This includes unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification or deletion of critical files, and disruption of services. Since the vulnerability requires no privileges or user interaction, it can be exploited by any local attacker, including malicious insiders or malware that has gained limited access. The widespread use of Microsoft 365 Apps in enterprises globally means that a successful exploit could impact a large number of organizations, leading to data breaches, operational disruptions, and reputational damage. Critical sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and technology are particularly at risk due to their reliance on Microsoft Office products and the sensitive nature of their data. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the potential for rapid weaponization remains high.
Mitigation Recommendations
Until an official patch is released, organizations should implement strict access controls to limit local access to systems running the affected Microsoft 365 Apps version. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor and block suspicious behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. Disable or restrict macros and other potentially risky Office features that could be leveraged to trigger the vulnerability. Conduct thorough audits of local user privileges and remove unnecessary administrative rights to reduce the impact of a local exploit. Maintain up-to-date backups and ensure incident response plans are ready to address potential compromises. Once Microsoft releases a patch, prioritize immediate deployment across all affected systems. Additionally, educate users about the risks of local threats and encourage vigilance against unauthorized access. Network segmentation can also help contain potential breaches originating from exploited endpoints.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2025-07-31T18:54:19.613Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 68c064ee22bccc7413ab98c2
Added to database: 9/9/2025, 5:33:34 PM
Last enriched: 2/28/2026, 11:55:27 PM
Last updated: 3/25/2026, 4:12:04 AM
Views: 295
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