Security Feature Bypass in Microsoft Office Word

CVE-2026-21514

What is CVE-2026-21514?

CVE-2026-21514 is a notable security vulnerability identified in Microsoft Office Word, a widely used word processing application integral to various business and personal operations. This vulnerability arises from the software’s reliance on untrusted inputs during a critical security decision-making process. As a result, an unauthorized attacker can exploit this flaw to bypass established security features within the application locally. This could enable malicious actors to manipulate documents or execute unauthorized actions, ultimately compromising the integrity and security of sensitive information managed through Microsoft Office Word. Organizations relying on this software could face potential exposure to data leaks, unauthorized modifications, and a heightened risk of cyberattacks.

Potential impact of CVE-2026-21514

1. Unauthorized Access: Exploiting this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to confidential documents and sensitive information within Word, leading to possible data breaches and loss of intellectual property.

2. Data Integrity Issues: The ability to bypass security features may result in attackers altering the contents of documents without detection, undermining data integrity and potentially causing significant disruptions to business operations.

3. Increased Attack Surface: The presence of this vulnerability expands the attack surface for organizations using Microsoft Office Word, potentially facilitating further exploitation and attacks by malicious actors, including those associated with ransomware.

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