CVE-2023-21735 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-21735 pertains to a Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability that was published on January 10, 2023. The vulnerability affects Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac, Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, and Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021. The impact type of this vulnerability is Remote Code Execution with a base severity rating of HIGH.

Understanding CVE-2023-21735

This section will delve into what CVE-2023-21735 entails and its potential impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-21735?

CVE-2023-21735 is a Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability that allows threat actors to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21735

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to remotely execute malicious code, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21735

Understanding the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism is crucial for mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2023-21735.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows threat actors to exploit Microsoft Office applications to execute unauthorized code, posing a serious security risk to users and organizations utilizing the affected software versions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac: Version 16.0.0 less than 16.69.23010700
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise: Version 16.0.1 less than link to Office Security Releases
Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021: Version 16.0.1 less than 16.69.23010700

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-21735 involves manipulating specific functionalities within Microsoft Office applications to execute malicious code remotely, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access and control.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate steps to address CVE-2023-21735 and implementing long-term security practices can help mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Microsoft Office versions to the patched releases provided by Microsoft.
Implement security measures to restrict unauthorized access to vulnerable systems and data.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and security patches to address known vulnerabilities promptly.
Conduct security audits and risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential threats proactively.

Patching and Updates

Microsoft has released security patches for Microsoft Office versions affected by CVE-2023-21735. Ensure to apply these patches promptly to protect systems from potential exploitation.