Microsoft Word Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability

Is the Preview Pane an attack vector for this vulnerability?
No, the Preview Pane is not an attack vector.

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.

What kind of security feature could be bypassed by successfully exploiting this vulnerability?
This vulnerability could allow an attacker to bypass specific functionality of the Office Protected View.

According to the CVSS metric, the attack complexity is high (AC:H). What does that mean for this vulnerability?
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to gather information specific to the environment of the targeted component.

According to the CVSS metric, user interaction is required (UI:R). What interaction would the user have to do?
The user would have to click on a specially crafted URL to be compromised by the attacker.

Are the updates for Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021 and 2024 currently available?
Yes. As of April 14, 2025, the security update for Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021 and 2024 are available. Customers running Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021 and 2024 should ensure the update is installed to be protected from this vulnerability.

Security updates
https — https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdates/microsoft365-apps-security-updates
16.96.25041326 — https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?linkid=831049
16.0.5495.1002 — https://support.microsoft.com/help/5002700
16.0.5495.1002 — https://support.microsoft.com/help/5002573
16.0.5495.1002 — https://support.microsoft.com/help/5002623
16.0.5495.1002 — https://support.microsoft.com/help/5002702