CVE-2026-88202

Summary

A heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Word allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code when processing malicious documents. 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 moderately difficult and requires a victim to open a specially crafted Word document, though the attack can be delivered via email or web download with minimal user interaction needed.

Blast radius

The vulnerability affects Microsoft 365 apps, Office 2021, and Office 2024, potentially impacting thousands of users across organizations that rely on Word for document processing.

Detection

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

Prioritized remediation

Deploy the Microsoft Office 2021 or Office 2024 update KB5040000 or later to mitigate this vulnerability.

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