CVE-2022-26901 in Office
Summary
by MITRE • 04/15/2022
Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2022-24473.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2026
Microsoft Excel contains a remote code execution vulnerability that arises from improper handling of specially crafted spreadsheet files during the parsing process. This flaw exists in the way Excel processes certain data structures within workbook files, specifically when dealing with malformed or maliciously constructed cells and formulas. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 which addresses insufficient validation of length parameters, and it represents a critical security gap in the application's input sanitization mechanisms. When a user opens a maliciously crafted Excel file, the application's parsing engine fails to properly validate the data structure, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the logged-in user.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of specific data formats within Excel's internal file structure. Attackers can craft spreadsheet files that contain malformed data sequences which, when processed by Excel's parser, trigger memory corruption vulnerabilities. This typically involves manipulating cell references, formula calculations, or embedded object structures in ways that cause the application to execute unintended code paths. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through simple file opening operations, requiring no special user interaction beyond opening the malicious file. The attack surface is broad since Excel is widely used across enterprise environments, making this a high-impact security concern that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation for execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, lateral movement within networks, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Microsoft Excel across different operating systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where various versions may be in use. Organizations that rely heavily on spreadsheet processing for business operations face significant risk, as a single compromised file can potentially compromise entire networks. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it can be delivered through various attack vectors including email attachments, malicious websites, or compromised file sharing services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems with the latest Microsoft security updates, as the primary fix addresses the underlying parsing logic that enables the exploit. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent the opening of untrusted spreadsheet files, particularly those received via email or downloaded from untrusted sources. Network-level controls such as email filtering and web content filtering can help reduce the risk of exploitation by blocking malicious files before they reach end users. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which applications can be executed on systems, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Security awareness training for end users should emphasize the importance of not opening suspicious spreadsheet files, and administrators should monitor for unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-129 highlights the need for robust input validation throughout the application lifecycle, and organizations should review their code and configuration practices to prevent similar issues in other applications.