CVE-2023-21736 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE involves a vulnerability known as the Microsoft Office Visio Remote Code Execution Vulnerability that impacts various Microsoft products. The vulnerability was published on January 10, 2023, by Microsoft.

Understanding CVE-2023-21736

This section will provide insights into the nature and impact of CVE-2023-21736.

What is CVE-2023-21736?

CVE-2023-21736 is a Remote Code Execution vulnerability that allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a target system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control of the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21736

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH with a base CVSS score of 7.8. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in significant harm to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21736

In this section, we will delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21736, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, compromising its security and potentially leading to further exploitation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following Microsoft products are affected by CVE-2023-21736:

Microsoft Office 2019 (Version 19.0.0)
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise (Version 16.0.1)
Microsoft Office LTSC 2021 (Version 16.0.1)
Microsoft Visio 2013 Service Pack 1 (Version 15.0.1)
Microsoft Visio 2016 (Version 16.0.1)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers to execute malicious code on systems running the affected versions of Microsoft products, leading to potential system compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section provides recommendations on mitigating the impact of CVE-2023-21736 and preventing further exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of affected Microsoft products are advised to update to the latest security patches provided by Microsoft to address the vulnerability promptly. Implementing strong network security measures and restricting access to vulnerable systems can also help mitigate the risk.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining up-to-date software and security configurations, conducting regular security audits, and educating users about safe computing practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Microsoft has released security updates to address CVE-2023-21736 in the affected products. Users are strongly encouraged to apply the latest patches as soon as possible to protect their systems from potential exploitation.