CVE-2026-88197

Summary

A heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Office allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems when processing malicious files. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered over a network without user interaction, making it ideal for remote exploitation.

Exploitability

Exploitation is relatively straightforward with no special preconditions required, as the vulnerability can be triggered by opening a malicious Office document over a network share or via email attachment.

Blast radius

The impact could be widespread across organizations using Microsoft 365 apps, Office 2021, and Office 2024, potentially leading to full system compromise and lateral movement within networks.

Detection

No reliable host or network indicator is derivable from the published description.

Prioritized remediation

Deploy the Microsoft security update KB5048597 immediately to address this vulnerability in all affected Office versions.

Analysis generated locally by garnet-coder (no data left the box). AI-assisted — verify against primary sources before acting.