CVE-2026-78526 Microsoft Office Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High 8.8 Published Updated

Heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Office Word allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.

Exploited in the wild
Not known
Login needed
Not needed
Attackable
Over the internet
Victim action needed
A user has to click or open something
Fix
None listed

What is CVE-2026-78526?

CVE-2026-78526 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Microsoft 365 Apps, published on 8 Sep 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

Heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Office Word allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.

Weakness: CWE-122

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-78526?

It affects 6 products.

Products include Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft Microsoft 365, Microsoft Office 2016, Microsoft Office 2019, Microsoft Office 2021, Microsoft Office 2024.

How do I fix CVE-2026-78526?

No fix has been published for CVE-2026-78526 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-2026-78526 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-78526 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Microsoft 365 Apps vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-q9v2-x5h4-hmx2.

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