CVE-2014-1761 Microsoft Word: memory-safety flaw
In plain words: The program mishandles the memory it uses to keep track of data. A specially made input can scramble that memory. Usually lets an attacker crash the program or run their own code with its permissions.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Aug 15, 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 Memory Corruption Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- CISA description
- Microsoft Word contains a memory corruption vulnerability which when exploited could allow for remote code execution.
- Type of flaw
- Memory-safety flaw (CWE-119)
- Confirmed exploited
- Feb 15, 2022
- US federal patch deadline
- Aug 15, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2014-1761 ·
Questions about CVE-2014-1761
Is CVE-2014-1761 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2014-1761 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Feb 15, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2014-1761?
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-2014-1761?
Only if you use Microsoft Word. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.