CVE-2017-0199
Published: November 3, 2021
Official Description
Microsoft Office and WordPad contain an unspecified vulnerability due to the way the applications parse specially crafted files. Successful exploitation allows for remote code execution.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Office and WordPad Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Microsoft Office and WordPad contain an unspecified vulnerability due to the way the applications parse specially crafted files. Successful exploitation allows for remote code execution.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This vulnerability in Microsoft Office and WordPad allows an attacker to execute malicious code on a user's system by tricking them into opening a specially crafted file. The high EPSS score of 0.94327 indicates a very high likelihood of exploitation, making this an urgent concern for systems using these applications.
This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's KEV catalog, confirming its use by threat actors. The nature of the flaw suggests it is remotely exploitable, likely through email or web-based attacks.
Ensure all Microsoft Office and WordPad installations are updated to the latest patched versions. Implement robust email and web filtering to block malicious files and educate users on the risks of opening untrusted documents.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2017-0199 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2017-0199 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2017-0199 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1