CVE-2020-1497 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Understand the information disclosure vulnerability in Microsoft Excel (CVE-2020-1497). Learn affected systems, exploitation risks, and mitigation steps to safeguard your data.
This CVE involves an information disclosure vulnerability in Microsoft Excel that could compromise user data or computers.
Understanding CVE-2020-1497
This vulnerability, identified as an information disclosure issue, could potentially allow attackers to access sensitive data.
What is CVE-2020-1497?
An information disclosure vulnerability in Microsoft Excel could be exploited by an attacker to access contents of the memory, compromising the user's computer or data.
The Impact of CVE-2020-1497
An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by crafting a special document file, convincing the user to open it, and knowing the memory address location of the object created in Excel. The update addresses this by changing how certain Excel functions handle objects in memory.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-1497
This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Microsoft Excel allows improper disclosure of memory contents, potentially leading to compromised systems or data.
Affected Systems and Versions
The following systems and versions are affected:
- Microsoft Office 2019, Version 19.0.0
- Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, Version 16.0.1
- Microsoft Excel 2016, Version 16.0.0.0
- Microsoft Office 2016, Version 16.0.0
- Microsoft Excel 2010 Service Pack 2, Version 13.0.0.0
- Microsoft Excel 2013 Service Pack 1, Version 15.0.0.0
- Microsoft Office 2010 Service Pack 2, Version 13.0.0.0
- Microsoft Office 2013 Service Pack 1, Version 15.0.0
Exploitation Mechanism
To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker needs to craft a specific document file and deceive a user into opening it, requiring knowledge of the memory address location of the created object.
Mitigation and Prevention
Learn the immediate steps and long-term practices to mitigate the vulnerability.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security updates from Microsoft promptly.
- Exercise caution while opening Excel files from unknown or untrusted sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and security patches.
- Train users on identifying phishing attempts and malicious files.
- Implement network security measures to detect and prevent unauthorized access.
Patching and Updates
Keep Excel and Microsoft Office suites updated with the latest security releases to protect against potential threats.