A critical security vulnerability in Microsoft Excel, known as CVE-2021-42292, has recently emerged, posing potential risks to users' data and systems.
In this article, we’ll shed light on the CVE-2021-42292 exploit, its risks, and how InvGate Asset Management can help you identify and manage devices exposed to it.
Don't leave your data at risk! Read on to understand the implications of CVE-2021-42292 and learn how to safeguard your devices.
About CVE-2021-42292
CVE-2021-42292 is a security feature bypass zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Excel, which has a CVSS score of 7.8.
When opening a specially crafted file, the flaw allows for the execution of malicious code without triggering the intended security prompts. This means that users may unwittingly run potentially harmful code without being alerted to the associated risks.
What are CVE-2021-42292 risks?
An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on a victim's computer, allowing them to steal data, install malware, or take control of the victim's computer.
Is CVE-2021-42292 fixed?
Yes, Microsoft has released a patch for CVE-2021-42292 that is available for all supported versions of Microsoft Excel. Users should install it as soon as possible to protect themselves from this vulnerability.
How to find devices exposed to CVE-2021-42292
Using InvGate Asset Management you can quickly detect devices that are impacted by the CVE-2021-42292 vulnerability. The following instructions outline the necessary steps to take:
- Open InvGate Asset Management and go to the Explorer tab.
- Type in the Search bar “Software name, is:Microsoft Excel” to filter all devices with this software.
- Add another filter to the Search bar to see all devices missing the security patch. To do that, add the following filter: “Reported version, is not:” and paste Microsoft’s patched version (depending on your product, you’ll find the security update number on Microsoft’s webpage).
The bottom line
CVE-2021-42292 is a security feature bypass zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Excel. Attackers can exploit it by sending a specially crafted Excel file to victims, enabling them to execute arbitrary code on the victim's computer. This action can lead to data theft, malware installation, or complete control over the compromised system. Fortunately, Microsoft has released a patch for CVE-2021-42292 that users should install immediately to protect themselves.
To simplify the process of Patch Management and identify devices exposed to CVE-2021-42292, InvGate Asset Management provides a powerful solution. By following a few simple steps, users can quickly filter devices running Microsoft Excel and pinpoint those missing the security patch. Request a 30-day free trial today. Don't wait, act now to safeguard your systems.
