Heap-Based Buffer Overflow in Microsoft Office Word

CVE-2025-32717

What is CVE-2025-32717?

CVE-2025-32717 is a critical vulnerability affecting Microsoft Office Word, specifically characterized by a heap-based buffer overflow. This vulnerability could enable unauthorized attackers to execute arbitrary code locally, which poses significant risks to organizations utilizing this widely adopted word processing software. Due to the extensive use of Microsoft Office Word in business environments for document creation and collaboration, the successful exploitation of this flaw could lead to severe disruptions, unauthorized data access, and compromised system integrity. Given the nature of the vulnerability, users could unknowingly trigger the exploit by opening malicious documents, rendering them susceptible to attacks without their awareness.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-32717

1. Unauthorized Code Execution: Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to run malicious code on the affected systems, potentially allowing them to take control of the system, install malware, or exfiltrate sensitive information.

2. Data Breaches: By gaining access to the system, unauthorized users could access, modify, or steal confidential data, leading to significant data breaches that could harm the organization’s reputation and lead to financial losses.

3. Business Disruption: The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in operational disruptions, including downtime and loss of productivity, as IT teams work to respond to unauthorized access and mitigate the effects of the attack.

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