CVE-2024-21413:Microsoft Outlook Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2024-21413) allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems due to improper input validation.

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CVE-2024-21413 is a critical vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook that can lead to remote code execution. The flaw arises from improper input validation, which can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a user's system. This vulnerability affects various versions of Microsoft Office, including Office 2019, Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, Office LTSC 2021, and Office 2016. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a critical severity level, and is actively being exploited in the wild. Users are strongly advised to apply the necessary updates to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.

Overview

  • CVE ID: CVE-2024-21413
  • Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.1 Score: 9.8)
  • Vulnerability Type: Remote Code Execution
  • CWE Classification: CWE-20: Improper Input Validation
  • Affected Products:
    • Microsoft Office 2019
    • Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
    • Microsoft Office LTSC 2021
    • Microsoft Office 2016
  • Platforms: 32-bit and x64-based systems
  • Exploitation: Active exploitation has been reported.

Remediation

To remediate the vulnerability, users should update their Microsoft Office applications to the latest versions as specified in the Microsoft security advisory. The affected versions include:

  • Microsoft Office 2019 (versions < 19.0.0)
  • Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise (versions < 16.0.1)
  • Microsoft Office LTSC 2021 (versions < 16.0.1)
  • Microsoft Office 2016 (versions < 16.0.5435.1001)

For detailed instructions on applying the updates, users can refer to the official Microsoft security update guide.

References

  1. Microsoft Outlook Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - Microsoft Security Response Center
  2. CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog
  3. Checkpoint Research on the Risks of the MonikerLink Bug in Microsoft Outlook

Early Warning

Customers using Armis Early Warning were notified about this vulnerability before it appeared in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, enabling them to assess their exposure and act proactively. Armis offers these examples of CVEs already included in CISA KEV for potential customers. Click here to learn how to receive alerts earlier.

Armis Alert Date
Feb 13, 2024
CISA KEV Date
Feb 6, 2025
359days early

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

Focus on What Matters

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

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