CVE-2020-17067 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2020-17067, a high-severity Microsoft Excel Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability impacting various Microsoft Office and Excel versions. Find mitigation steps and patching advice here.
Microsoft Excel Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability was published on November 11, 2020, with a CVSS base score of 7.8.
Understanding CVE-2020-17067
This CVE involves a Security Feature Bypass impact type affecting various Microsoft Excel versions.
What is CVE-2020-17067?
The CVE-2020-17067 is a security vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass security features in Microsoft Excel, potentially leading to unauthorized access and manipulation of data.
The Impact of CVE-2020-17067
The vulnerability has a base severity rating of HIGH (7.8 CVSS score) and can result in significant confidentiality, integrity, and availability compromises.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-17067
This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows threat actors to bypass security features in Microsoft Excel, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and manipulation.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Microsoft Office 2019 (Version 19.0.0) on 32-bit and x64-based Systems
- Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac (Version 16.0.0)
- Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise (Version 16.0.1) on 32-bit and x64-based Systems
- Microsoft Excel 2016 (Version 16.0.0.0) on 32-bit and x64-based Systems
- Microsoft Excel 2010 Service Pack 2 (Version 13.0.0.0) on 32-bit and x64-based Systems
- Microsoft Excel 2013 Service Pack 1 (Version 15.0.0.0) on ARM64-based, 32-bit, and x64-based Systems
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to circumvent security controls within Microsoft Excel, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on affected systems.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2020-17067, follow these mitigation strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security patches provided by Microsoft promptly.
- Consider restricting user permissions to minimize the impact of potential exploitation.
- Educate users about phishing and social engineering tactics that could be used to exploit this vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update Microsoft Office and Excel to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.
- Implement strong access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect and respond to unauthorized activities.
Patching and Updates
- Microsoft has released security updates for affected versions. Ensure timely installation of these patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.