CVE-2015-2424 Microsoft PowerPoint: 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 Mar 24, 2022
What to do
- Install Microsoft's security update for PowerPoint. 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 PowerPoint Memory Corruption Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- CISA description
- Microsoft PowerPoint allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted Office document.
- Type of flaw
- Memory-safety flaw (CWE-119)
- Confirmed exploited
- Mar 3, 2022
- US federal patch deadline
- Mar 24, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2015-2424 ·
Questions about CVE-2015-2424
Is CVE-2015-2424 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2015-2424 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Mar 3, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2015-2424?
Install Microsoft's security update for PowerPoint. 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-2015-2424?
Only if you use Microsoft PowerPoint. Aimed mostly at company systems — you are affected through the companies you use, not your own phone.