CVE-2012-1854 Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA): software flaw
In plain words: A mistake in the software that attackers have found a way to abuse. Depends on the product — see the description and the vendor advisory.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Apr 27, 2026
What to do
- Install Microsoft's security update for Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Keep a list of every internet-facing server you run so nothing is forgotten.
- Patch anything in this catalog first, ahead of normal patch cycles.
- Put admin and file-transfer apps behind a VPN or single sign-on instead of the open internet.
Who is affected
Work IT. Aimed mostly at company systems — you are affected through the companies you use, not your own phone.
What's at risk: Mass data theft and ransomware: a single flaw in a file-transfer or email server has exposed thousands of organisations at once.
The details
- Official name
- Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications Insecure Library Loading Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
- CISA description
- Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) contains an insecure library loading vulnerability that could allow for remote code execution.
- Type of flaw
- Software flaw (CWE-426)
- Confirmed exploited
- Apr 13, 2026
- US federal patch deadline
- Apr 27, 2026
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Answering about CVE-2012-1854 ·
Questions about CVE-2012-1854
Is CVE-2012-1854 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2012-1854 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Apr 13, 2026, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2012-1854?
Install Microsoft's security update for Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Keep a list of every internet-facing server you run so nothing is forgotten.
Am I affected by CVE-2012-1854?
Only if you use Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Aimed mostly at company systems — you are affected through the companies you use, not your own phone.