CVE-2012-2539 Microsoft Word: command or code injection
In plain words: The program treats text it receives as instructions instead of plain data. The attacker can run commands on the machine — often the whole device is taken over.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Apr 18, 2022
What to do
- Install Microsoft's security update for Word. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
- Be careful with unexpected attachments — documents, .zip/.rar files and shortcuts are common bait.
- Use a normal (non-admin) account day to day and keep built-in protection like Microsoft Defender on.
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Your files, saved passwords and accounts. Many of these let a program that is already running gain full administrator control.
The details
- Official name
- Microsoft Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- CISA description
- Microsoft Word allows attackers to execute remote code or cause a denial-of-service (DoS) via crafted RTF data.
- Type of flaw
- Command or code injection (CWE-399)
- Confirmed exploited
- Mar 28, 2022
- US federal patch deadline
- Apr 18, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2012-2539 ·
Questions about CVE-2012-2539
Is CVE-2012-2539 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2012-2539 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Mar 28, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2012-2539?
Install Microsoft's security update for Word. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
Am I affected by CVE-2012-2539?
Only if you use Microsoft Word. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.