CVE-2026-68797
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2026
Out-of-bounds read in Microsoft Office Excel allows an unauthorized attacker to disclose information locally.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within Microsoft Office Excel that enables unauthorized attackers to extract sensitive information from the targeted system. The vulnerability occurs when Excel processes certain malformed spreadsheet files or specific data structures, causing the application to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This type of flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration category CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions where programs attempt to access memory outside the valid range of allocated buffers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Excel application's failure to properly validate input data during spreadsheet parsing operations. When a maliciously crafted Excel file is opened or processed, the application's memory management routines execute instructions that traverse beyond intended memory boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data from adjacent memory locations. This could include confidential information such as encryption keys, passwords, system credentials, or other sensitive operational data stored in nearby memory segments. The flaw typically manifests during the rendering process of complex spreadsheet elements like formulas, charts, or embedded objects within the workbook structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within enterprise environments. Attackers could leverage this vector to gather intelligence about system configurations, user credentials, or internal network structures that might aid in subsequent exploitation attempts. The local nature of the attack means that successful exploitation typically requires the victim to open or interact with a malicious Excel file, making social engineering campaigns particularly effective. This vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the mitre att&ck framework under initial access and privilege escalation categories, where attackers might use information gathering techniques as part of their broader attack strategy.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including timely patch management for affected Microsoft Office versions, deployment of application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted Office documents, and enhanced user awareness training regarding suspicious email attachments. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual file access patterns or attempts to open potentially malicious spreadsheet files. Additionally, security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments focusing on document processing components within office suites and consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for handling untrusted Office documents. The remediation process must also include comprehensive testing of patches in controlled environments to prevent potential disruptions to critical business operations while ensuring complete protection against this specific vulnerability vector.