CVE-2020-1321 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Understanding CVE-2020-1321

A remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft Office software could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system.

What is CVE-2020-1321?

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Microsoft Office that arises due to improper handling of objects in memory, posing a risk of remote code execution.

The Impact of CVE-2020-1321

The vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the system, potentially leading to system compromise, data theft, and further exploitation of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-1321

Vulnerability Description

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Office when it fails to handle objects in memory properly.

Affected Systems and Versions

Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise for 32-bit Systems (unspecified version)
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise for 64-bit Systems (unspecified version)
Microsoft Office versions affected:
2019 for 32-bit editions
2019 for 64-bit editions
2019 for Mac
2016 for Mac

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by tricking a user into opening a specially crafted file or link, allowing the attacker to execute malicious code on the victim's system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the latest security updates provided by Microsoft.
Avoid opening untrusted files or links received from unknown or unverified sources.
Implement security best practices to minimize the risk of remote code execution attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Microsoft Office and related software to address known vulnerabilities.
Educate users about the risks associated with opening files or links from untrusted sources.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all Microsoft Office applications are updated to the latest versions available to mitigate the risk of exploitation.