CVE-2026-105714 in 365 Apps for Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE • 10/13/2026
Heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Office Access allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2026
The vulnerability described constitutes a critical security flaw within the Microsoft Office Access application, specifically manifesting as a heap-based buffer overflow condition that can be exploited remotely via a network connection. This type of memory corruption error occurs when a program writes more data to a dynamically allocated block of memory on the heap than it was intended to hold. In the context of Microsoft Office Access, this flaw likely stems from insufficient bounds checking during the processing of specific file formats or input vectors that trigger malformed memory allocation routines. When an attacker crafts a malicious document or payload designed to exploit this discrepancy, they can overwrite adjacent memory structures, potentially gaining control over critical execution pointers such as return addresses or function pointers within the application's process space.
From a technical perspective, heap-based buffer overflows are particularly dangerous because modern operating systems employ various mitigation techniques like Address Space Layout Randomization and Data Execution Prevention to protect against exploitation. However, sophisticated attackers often utilize advanced techniques such as Return-Oriented Programming or specific memory corruption patterns to bypass these defenses. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely means that an attacker does not need physical access to the target machine nor valid user credentials for local authentication. Instead, they can deliver a malicious file through email attachments, shared network drives, or web-based downloads, relying on social engineering or automated scanning tools to trigger the vulnerability when the victim opens the compromised document within Access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as successful exploitation grants an unauthorized attacker full control over the affected system under the context of the current user. If the user account possesses administrative privileges, the attacker can install programs, view, change, or delete data, and create new accounts with unrestricted access. Even if running with limited rights, the attacker can compromise sensitive information stored locally by Access users, such as database contents, credentials cached in memory, or other application-specific secrets. This level of control facilitates further lateral movement within a corporate network, allowing for persistent backdoors, ransomware deployment, or espionage activities that undermine organizational integrity and confidentiality requirements.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration identifier CWE-120, which classifies buffer copies without checking size limits into the category of memory corruption vulnerabilities. Furthermore, in terms of tactical behavior within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this exploit vector relates to techniques involving initial access through malicious files and subsequent execution via arbitrary code invocation. To mitigate these risks, organizations must ensure that all Microsoft Office components are updated with the latest security patches released by vendor support channels. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies can prevent unauthorized scripts or executables from running after exploitation occurs. Users should be trained to exercise caution when opening documents received from untrusted sources and enabled macro settings should be restricted to minimize potential attack surfaces associated with Office applications.