CVE-2026-20956: CWE-822: Untrusted Pointer Dereference in Microsoft Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
Untrusted pointer dereference in Microsoft Office Excel allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-20956) is classified as CWE-822: Untrusted Pointer Dereference, affecting Microsoft Office Excel in Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise version 16.0.1. It allows an attacker with local access and user interaction to execute arbitrary code by exploiting improper handling of pointers. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability has been officially published and a patch is available from Microsoft.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code locally, leading to complete compromise of the affected system's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack requires local access and user interaction, limiting remote exploitation. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch is available for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the official Microsoft update for Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise version 16.0.1 to remediate this issue. No additional mitigation steps are indicated beyond applying the patch.
CVE-2026-20956: CWE-822: Untrusted Pointer Dereference in Microsoft Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
Description
Untrusted pointer dereference in Microsoft Office Excel allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CVE-2026-20956) is classified as CWE-822: Untrusted Pointer Dereference, affecting Microsoft Office Excel in Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise version 16.0.1. It allows an attacker with local access and user interaction to execute arbitrary code by exploiting improper handling of pointers. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability has been officially published and a patch is available from Microsoft.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code locally, leading to complete compromise of the affected system's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack requires local access and user interaction, limiting remote exploitation. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch is available for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the official Microsoft update for Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise version 16.0.1 to remediate this issue. No additional mitigation steps are indicated beyond applying the patch.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- microsoft
- Date Reserved
- 2025-12-04T20:04:16.340Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 69668ae6a60475309f9ae25f
Added to database: 1/13/2026, 6:11:50 PM
Last enriched: 4/3/2026, 12:52:42 PM
Last updated: 5/10/2026, 9:13:45 AM
Views: 81
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