Remote Code Execution Vulnerability Affects Microsoft Outlook

CVE-2024-21413

9.8CRITICAL

Key Information

Vendor
Microsoft
Status
Microsoft Office 2019
Microsoft 365 Apps For Enterprise
Microsoft Office Ltsc 2021
Microsoft Office 2016
Vendor
CVE Published:
13 February 2024

Badges

🔥 No. 1 Trending😄 Trended👾 Exploit Exists🔴 Public PoC📰 News Worthy

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.

Affected Version(s)

Microsoft Office 2019 < 19.0.0

Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise < 16.0.1

Microsoft Office LTSC 2021 < 16.0.1

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

News Articles

Fat Patch Tuesday, February 2024 Edition

Microsoft Corp. today pushed software updates to plug more than 70 security holes in its Windows operating systems and related products, including two zero-day vulnerabilities that are already being exploited in active attacks.

9 months ago

How to Set Up a Network Research Laboratory for Malware Analysis (SOC & DFIR Teams)

Researchers can learn more about the exploit by making a proof-of-concept (PoC) and testing its functionality in a separate environment. 

9 months ago

Critical vulnerability Microsoft Office CVE-2024-21413

Security alert about Microsoft Office vulnerability and the Stormshield product response. How to protect against CVE-2024-21413.

10 months ago

Refferences

CVSS V3.1

Score:
9.8
Severity:
CRITICAL
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
None
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 🔴

    Public PoC available

  • 🔥

    Vulnerability reached the number 1 worldwide trending spot

  • Vulnerability started trending

  • 😈

    Used in Ransomware

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • First article discovered by Malwarebytes

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Collectors

NVD DatabaseMitre DatabaseMicrosoft Feed7 Proof of Concept(s)8 News Article(s)
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