CVE-2024-21413
Published: February 6, 2025
Official Description
Microsoft Outlook contains an improper input validation vulnerability that allows for remote code execution. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability would allow an attacker to bypass the Office Protected View and open in editing mode rather than protected mode.
CISA KEV Advisory
Microsoft Outlook Improper Input Validation Vulnerability
Microsoft Outlook contains an improper input validation vulnerability that allows for remote code execution. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability would allow an attacker to bypass the Office Protected View and open in editing mode rather than protected mode.
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Risk Analysis
Microsoft Outlook is vulnerable to improper input validation, which can lead to remote code execution. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to bypass Office Protected View and open documents in editing mode, posing a significant risk. Its high EPSS score of 0.93468 and inclusion in CISA's KEV indicate a high likelihood of exploitation.
This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild. The ability to bypass Protected View and execute code remotely makes this a critical threat.
Administrators should apply the latest security updates for Microsoft Outlook to remediate this vulnerability. Users should also be cautious about opening suspicious attachments or links, even if they appear to be from trusted sources.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-21413 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-2024-21413 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 (2)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2024-21413 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