CVE-2026-97741

Summary

A heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Excel allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code when processing malicious files, potentially leading to full system compromise.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires a user to open a specially crafted Excel file, making it moderately difficult but achievable through social engineering or phishing campaigns.

Blast radius

If exploited, this vulnerability could affect thousands of users across Microsoft 365 and Office applications, potentially leading to widespread data breaches and system compromises.

Detection

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

Prioritized remediation

Deploy the Microsoft Security Update KB5041234 for Excel 2021 and Office 2024, or upgrade to Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise version 2407 or later.

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