EXPOSURES › CVE-2016-7262
CVE-2016-7262
HIGH ⌖ ON CISA KEV · EXPLOITEDCVE-2016-7262 in Microsoft Excel allows arbitrary command execution via a security feature bypass.
This unpatched vulnerability in Microsoft Excel enables attackers to bypass security features and execute arbitrary commands, posing a severe risk to DIB organizations relying on Office products. The fact that it remains in the KEV catalog proves it was actively exploited in the wild, highlighting the danger of relying on vendors to patch known, high-severity flaws. DIB orgs must ensure all Office software is patched to the latest version and consider compensating controls like application whitelisting.
Shame score — A known, high-severity RCE vulnerability in a ubiquitous productivity tool remained unpatched long enough to be added to the KEV catalog, demonstrating a failure to prioritize critical patches and leaving organizations exposed to active exploitation.
▸ RECOMMENDED ACTION Actively exploited (CISA KEV) — remediate now, ahead of your normal patch cycle.
A security feature bypass vulnerability exists when Microsoft Office improperly handles input. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could execute arbitrary commands.
| PRODUCT | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Azure Commercial Cloud Microsoft |
Authorized |
| Azure Government (includes Dynamics 365) Microsoft |
Authorized |
| Microsoft Office 365 GCC High Microsoft |
In Process |
| Office 365 Multi-Tenant & Supporting Services Microsoft |
Authorized |