CVE-2019-1297
HighExploitedPublic exploitA remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Excel software when the software fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'.
Published Sep 11, 2019 · Updated Oct 29, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2019-1297 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting Excel (Microsoft), Office (Microsoft), Office 365 ProPlus (Microsoft).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 3, 2022. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 22% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
8.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
22%
Higher than 97.6% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Excel software when the software fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 3, 2022 | Mar 17, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 3, 2022 | Mar 17, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 3, 2022 | Mar 17, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 3, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
11 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| ExcelMicrosoft | 2010-sp2, 2013-sp1, 2016, >= 2010 Service Pack 2 (32-bit editions) | n/a |
| OfficeMicrosoft | 2016, 2019, >= 2016 for Mac | n/a |
| Office 365 ProPlusMicrosoft | >= 32-bit Systems | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 11, 2019
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 3, 2022
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 3, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 3, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 3, 2022
Last updated
Oct 29, 2025
References
FAQ
Common Questions.
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Excel software when the software fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'.
Affected: Excel (Microsoft) versions 2010-sp2, 2013-sp1, 2016, >= 2010 Service Pack 2 (32-bit editions); Office (Microsoft) versions 2016, 2019, >= 2016 for Mac; Office 365 ProPlus (Microsoft) versions >= 32-bit Systems. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 3, 2022.
Yes. It was added on Mar 3, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Mar 17, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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