Remote Code Execution Vulnerability Affects Microsoft Outlook

CVE-2024-21413

What is CVE-2024-21413?

CVE-2024-21413 is a critical vulnerability found in Microsoft Outlook, a widely used email client that facilitates communication and task management for individuals and organizations. This remote code execution vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected systems. If successfully exploited, it could lead to substantial operational disruption, data breaches, and unauthorized access to sensitive information, ultimately compromising an organization's security integrity.

Technical Details

This vulnerability involves inadequacies in the way Microsoft Outlook handles certain inputs, which can be exploited by attackers to execute code remotely. By crafting malicious emails or attachments, an attacker could trigger the execution of harmful code on the recipient's device without their knowledge or consent. The technical specifics surrounding the exploit involve manipulating the application's parsing logic, resulting in a potential execution of commands that could impact the operating environment severely.

Impact of the Vulnerability

1. Unauthorized Access: The primary concern with CVE-2024-21413 is that it could grant attackers unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems by executing malicious code. This could lead to further network infiltration, where attackers gain control over multiple systems within an organization.

2. Data Breaches: Organizations vulnerable to this exploit may experience data breaches, risking the exposure of confidential information, intellectual property, and personal data of users. Such breaches could result in severe reputational damage and regulatory repercussions.

3. Operational Disruption: The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to significant operational disruptions, including system downtime and loss of productivity. If attackers deploy ransomware or other malicious payloads, organizations may face extended periods of inaccessibility to critical systems, impacting business continuity.

News Articles

Forbes

CVE-2024-21413

Homeland Security Alert—Ongoing Critical Microsoft Outlook Attack

The Department of Homeland Security has warned that Microsoft Outlook is subject to an ongoing hack attack.

2-Spyware

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Microsoft Outlook RCE bug exploited in the wild: security alert issued

A critical remote code execution threat. A newly discovered remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook, tracked as CVE-2024-21413, has been actively exploited by cybercriminals

Vulnera

CVE-2024-21413

Urgent Call to Secure Systems Against Ongoing Attacks Exploiting Microsoft Outlook RCE Vulnerability - VULNERA

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a warning to federal agencies to fortify their systems against ongoing attacks that are exploiting a critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook.

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