CVE-2019-1297 Microsoft Excel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Excel when the software fails to properly handle objects in memory.
From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.
Should You Worry?
- CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 3 Mar 2022.
- Rated High severity (CVSS 8.8, scored by CISA).
- It has been in the catalogue for 1,709 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
What It Is
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 Versions
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Microsoft Excel | 2010 Service Pack 2 (32-bit editions) 2010 Service Pack 2 (64-bit editions) 2013 Service Pack 1 (32-bit editions) 2013 Service Pack 1 (64-bit editions) 2013 RT Service Pack 1 2016 (32-bit edition) |
| Microsoft Microsoft Office | 2016 for Mac 2019 for 32-bit editions 2019 for 64-bit editions 2019 for Mac |
| Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus | 32-bit Systems 64-bit Systems |
From the public CVE record, as supplied by the vendor. Always confirm against the vendor advisory.
What To Do Now
- 1
Find it
Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for Microsoft Excel. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.
Attack Surface Management - 2
- 3
Hunt for compromise
If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.
Incident Response - 4
Prove it is fixed
Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.
Penetration Testing
Vendor Advisories
The Compliance Clock
General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.
Not Sure If You Are Exposed?
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