CVE-2020-17065 : What You Need to Know

Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability was published on November 11, 2020, with a CVSS base score of 7.8.

Understanding CVE-2020-17065

This CVE involves a Remote Code Execution vulnerability in Microsoft Excel.

What is CVE-2020-17065?

The CVE-2020-17065 is a security vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system using a specially crafted Excel file.

The Impact of CVE-2020-17065

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH, with a CVSS base score of 7.8. Attackers can exploit this flaw to take control of affected systems, leading to potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-17065

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system by enticing a user to open a malicious Excel file.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following Microsoft products and versions are affected:

Microsoft Office 2019 (Version 19.0.0)
Microsoft Office Online Server (Version 16.0.1)
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise (Version 16.0.1)
Microsoft Excel 2016 (Version 16.0.0.0)
Microsoft Excel 2010 Service Pack 2 (Version 13.0.0.0)
Microsoft Excel 2013 Service Pack 1 (Version 15.0.0.0)
Microsoft Office Web Apps 2013 Service Pack 1 (Version 15.0.0.0)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by convincing a user to open a specially crafted Excel file, triggering the execution of malicious code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2020-17065 with the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Microsoft.
Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited Excel files.
Implement email filtering to block suspicious attachments.

Long-Term Security Practices

Keep software and security solutions up to date.
Conduct regular security training for employees to raise awareness of phishing and social engineering tactics.
Use endpoint protection tools to detect and block malicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected Microsoft products are updated with the latest security patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.