Security Feature Bypass in Microsoft Excel (CVE‑2021‑42292) Enables Local Code Execution
What It Is – A security‑feature bypass in Microsoft Excel allows a locally‑authenticated user to bypass built‑in protections and execute arbitrary code on the host system.
Exploitability – The vulnerability is exploitable locally; a proof‑of‑concept exists and Microsoft has issued a security update. CVSS v3.1 is rated 7.8 (High).
Affected Products – Microsoft Excel (all supported versions of Microsoft Office 365, 2019, 2016, and earlier that have not been patched).
Why It Matters for Trust & Control Assurance
- Vulnerability Management – Demonstrates the need for continuous scanning and rapid patch deployment to satisfy control objectives around application hardening.
- Audit Evidence – Timely remediation provides defensible proof that the organization maintains an effective patch‑management process, a key trust signal for auditors.
- Continuous Assurance – Mapping the fix to a control objective creates reusable evidence across multiple frameworks (e.g., NIST CSF, ISO 27001).
Recommended Actions
- Deploy Microsoft’s security update for CVE‑2021‑42292 without delay.
- Verify patch status across all endpoints via automated inventory tools.
- Record remediation steps in your vulnerability‑management system to generate audit‑ready evidence.
Source: CISA KEV – CVE‑2021‑42292