CVE-2023-21715:Microsoft Publisher Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability (CVE-2023-21715)

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Description Preview

CVE-2023-21715 is a security feature bypass vulnerability in Microsoft Publisher that could allow attackers to bypass security features designed to protect users from malicious content. This vulnerability is classified as CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization) and could potentially enable attackers to execute unauthorized actions.

Overview

This vulnerability affects Microsoft Publisher, a desktop publishing application included in some Microsoft Office suites. The security feature bypass could allow an attacker to circumvent protective measures that are designed to prevent the execution of malicious code. When successfully exploited, an attacker could potentially execute arbitrary code or gain elevated privileges within the context of the affected application. The vulnerability stems from incorrect authorization implementation within Microsoft Publisher, which fails to properly enforce security boundaries.

Remediation

Users and administrators should apply the security updates provided by Microsoft to address this vulnerability. Microsoft has released patches as part of their regular security update cycle. To mitigate this vulnerability:

  1. Install the latest Microsoft security updates for Microsoft Office/Publisher
  2. Ensure automatic updates are enabled for Microsoft Office products
  3. Consider implementing application control policies to restrict execution of unauthorized applications
  4. Exercise caution when opening Publisher files from untrusted sources
  5. Keep antivirus and anti-malware solutions updated and running

References

  1. Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) Advisory: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2023-21715
  2. Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE-863): https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/863.html
  3. Microsoft Security Update Guide: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  2. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  3. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  4. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  5. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  6. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  7. Utilities
    Utilities
  8. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  9. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  10. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  11. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  12. Information
    Information
  13. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  14. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  15. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  16. Mining
    Mining
  17. Construction
    Construction
  18. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  19. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade
  20. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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