CVE-2026-68792
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2026
Improper neutralization of special elements used in a command ('command injection') in Microsoft Office allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2026
Command injection vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office represent a critical security flaw that exploits improper handling of special elements within command execution contexts. This vulnerability specifically affects the way Microsoft Office applications process and execute commands, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code that can be executed with elevated privileges. The flaw exists when Office applications fail to properly sanitize or escape input parameters that are subsequently used in system command execution, allowing an attacker to manipulate the command structure and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability typically involves the exploitation of Office's integration with operating system command processing capabilities, particularly through features like macro execution, external process invocation, or integration with shell environments. When legitimate Office applications attempt to execute system commands based on user input or document content, inadequate input validation allows attackers to inject additional commands that bypass normal security controls. This can occur through manipulation of file formats, document properties, or macro code that triggers command execution paths within the Office application suite.
The operational impact of this privilege escalation vulnerability extends beyond simple command injection to encompass broader system compromise scenarios. An authorized attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges, potentially gaining access to sensitive system resources, modifying critical files, or establishing persistent access mechanisms. The local privilege escalation aspect means that attackers do not require remote network access to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Office applications are frequently used with administrative privileges. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88 categories from the Common Weakness Enumeration, which specifically address command injection flaws in software applications.
The attack surface for this vulnerability encompasses various Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access, particularly when they process documents containing malicious macros or embedded content that triggers system command execution. Attackers typically leverage this vulnerability by crafting specially formatted Office documents that contain malicious code designed to execute commands on the target system. The exploitation process often involves bypassing standard security controls through techniques such as command chaining, parameter manipulation, or leveraging trusted application paths to achieve unauthorized privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for this command injection vulnerability should focus on comprehensive input validation, proper command sanitization, and principle of least privilege enforcement. Organizations should implement strict content filtering policies that prevent execution of potentially malicious commands within Office applications, regularly update Office installations to include security patches, and configure macro security settings to restrict automatic execution of potentially harmful code. The implementation of application whitelisting solutions and enhanced monitoring of system command execution can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Security controls should also address the underlying CWE-77 and CWE-88 weaknesses through proper input sanitization techniques, command parameterization, and secure coding practices that prevent direct injection of user-controlled data into execution contexts. Additional layers of protection include network segmentation, regular security assessments, and employee training to recognize potentially malicious Office documents that may contain embedded exploit code.