Which products and versions are affected by CVE-2023-21715?

Affected: 365 Apps (Microsoft); Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise versions >= 16.0.1. The full list is in the CVE brief.

Is CVE-2023-21715 being exploited in the wild?

It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Feb 14, 2023.

Is CVE-2023-21715 in the CISA KEV catalog?

Yes. It was added on Feb 14, 2023 with a federal remediation due date of Mar 7, 2023.

Is there a public exploit for CVE-2023-21715?

Public exploit code is available.

Is there a fix for CVE-2023-21715?

Fixed versions are available, including Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases.

How urgently should CVE-2023-21715 be patched?

Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.

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Vulnerability Intelligence

CVE-2023-21715

HighExploitedPublic exploit

Microsoft Publisher Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability

Published Feb 14, 2023 · Updated Aug 19, 2026

Key Facts

Patch immediately

CVE-2023-21715 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.3 v3.1) affecting 365 Apps (Microsoft), Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Feb 14, 2023. Public exploit code is available.
EPSS estimates a 12% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
Fixed versions are available, including Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.

CVSS v3.1

7.3

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)

12%

Higher than 96.0% of all scored CVEs

Exploited in the wild

Yes

4 catalog listings

Public exploit code

Available

Proof-of-concept or weaponized module

Get the full CVE-2023-21715 brief as a PDF

Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.

Description

Microsoft Publisher Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability

Known-Exploited Catalog Listings

Catalog	Added	Remediation due	Ransomware use
CISA KEV	Feb 14, 2023	Mar 7, 2023	Not reported
Industry KEV feed	Feb 14, 2023	Mar 7, 2023	Not reported
CIRCL KEV	Feb 14, 2023	Mar 7, 2023	Not reported
ENISA EUVD	Feb 14, 2023	n/a	Not reported

Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Affected Products

3 affected entries in total

Product	Affected versions	Fixed in
365 AppsMicrosoft	See advisory	n/a
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise	>= 16.0.1	https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases

Patched Releases

Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise

https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases

Timeline

Publicly disclosed
Feb 14, 2023
Added to CISA KEV
Feb 14, 2023
Added to Industry KEV feed
Feb 14, 2023
Added to CIRCL KEV
Feb 14, 2023
Added to ENISA EUVD
Feb 14, 2023
Last updated
Aug 19, 2026

Weakness Type

CWE-863 Incorrect Authorization

References

patchMicrosoft Publisher Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
exploitVulnCheck exploitation report

1 more references in the full CVE brief

FAQ

Common Questions.

Microsoft Publisher Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
Affected: 365 Apps (Microsoft); Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise versions >= 16.0.1. 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 Feb 14, 2023.
Yes. It was added on Feb 14, 2023 with a federal remediation due date of Mar 7, 2023.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise https://aka.ms/OfficeSecurityReleases.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.

Is CVE-2023-21715 Running On Your Attack Surface?

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