Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

According to the CVSS metric, the attack vector is local (AV:L). Why does the CVE title indicate that this is a remote code execution? The word Remote in the title refers to the location of the attacker. This type of exploit is sometimes referred to as Arbitrary Code Execution (ACE). The attack itself is carried out locally. This means an attacker or victim needs to execute code from the local machine to exploit the vulnerability.

How could an attacker exploit this vulnerability? To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted application that could exploit the vulnerability and take control of an affected system. Additionally, an attacker could convince a local user to open a malicious file. The attacker would have to convince the user to click a link, typically by way of an enticement in an email or instant message, and then convince them to open the specially crafted file.

There are multiple update packages available for some of the affected software. Do I need to install all the updates listed in the Security Updates table for the software? Yes. Customers should apply all updates offered for the software installed on their systems. If multiple updates apply, they can be installed in any order.

Is the Preview Pane an attack vector for this vulnerability? Yes, the Preview Pane is an attack vector.