CVE-2021-28456 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Microsoft Excel Information Disclosure Vulnerability was published by Microsoft on April 13, 2021. It affects various Microsoft products including Microsoft Excel, Office 2019, Office 365 Apps, and more. This CVE has a CVSS base score of 5.5, indicating a medium severity level.

Understanding CVE-2021-28456

This section provides details on the vulnerability, its impact, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-28456?

CVE-2021-28456 is an Information Disclosure vulnerability that affects Microsoft Excel and other related Microsoft products. It allows an attacker to access sensitive information within Excel files.

The Impact of CVE-2021-28456

The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data stored in Excel files, potentially compromising the confidentiality of the information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-28456

This section dives into the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and how it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2021-28456 allows an attacker to gain access to information in Excel files that should otherwise be restricted, posing a risk to data confidentiality.

Affected Systems and Versions

Multiple Microsoft products are affected, including Excel 2016, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Office 2019, and Microsoft 365 Apps, across various platforms and versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to extract sensitive data from Excel files, leading to potential information disclosure.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the immediate steps to take and long-term security practices to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-28456.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply security patches provided by Microsoft promptly and avoid opening Excel files from untrusted sources to minimize exposure to the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust data access controls, regularly updating security software, and educating users about safe Excel file handling practices can help enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Users should regularly check for security updates from Microsoft and apply them to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-28456.