CVE-2023-36761 Microsoft Word: information leak
In plain words: The program reveals information it should keep private. Leaked secrets — tokens, passwords or memory contents — that help a bigger attack.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Oct 3, 2023
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 Information Disclosure Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- CISA description
- Microsoft Word contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for information disclosure.
- Type of flaw
- Information leak (CWE-668)
- Confirmed exploited
- Sep 12, 2023
- US federal patch deadline
- Oct 3, 2023
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Answering about CVE-2023-36761 ·
Questions about CVE-2023-36761
Is CVE-2023-36761 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2023-36761 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Sep 12, 2023, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2023-36761?
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-2023-36761?
Only if you use Microsoft Word. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.