CVE-2021-38660 : What You Need to Know

A remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft Office Graphics was disclosed on September 14, 2021, by Microsoft.

Understanding CVE-2021-38660

This CVE identifier denotes a critical security flaw affecting Microsoft Excel 2013 Service Pack 1, allowing remote code execution.

What is CVE-2021-38660?

The CVE-2021-38660 vulnerability involves a flaw in Microsoft Office Graphics that could be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38660

With a base severity rating of 7.8 (High) according to the CVSS v3.1 metrics, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to systems running the affected Microsoft Excel 2013 version.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38660

This section covers the specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute code remotely within the context of the application, potentially leading to full system compromise.

Affected Systems and Versions

Microsoft Excel 2013 Service Pack 1 version 15.0.0.0 is affected, with a version less than 5381.1000. Affected platforms include ARM64-based, 32-bit, and x64-based systems.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by enticing a user to open a specially crafted file.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your systems from CVE-2021-38660, follow these mitigation and prevention strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Microsoft Excel 2013 to a non-vulnerable version or apply the necessary security patches provided by Microsoft.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement security best practices such as user awareness training, network segmentation, and implementing the principle of least privilege.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update your Microsoft Office suite and other software to ensure that security patches are applied promptly.