CVE-2006-3431

CVE-2006-3431 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Excel with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 28% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation.

Key facts

Description

Buffer overflow in certain Asian language versions of Microsoft Excel might allow user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted STYLE record in a spreadsheet that triggers the overflow when the user attempts to repair the document or selects the "Style" option, as demonstrated by nanika.xls. NOTE: Microsoft has confirmed to CVE via e-mail that this is different than the other Excel vulnerabilities announced before 20060707, including CVE-2006-3059 and CVE-2006-3086.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2006-3431?
Buffer overflow in certain Asian language versions of Microsoft Excel might allow user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted STYLE record in a spreadsheet that triggers the overflow when the user attempts to repair the document or selects the "Style" option, as demonstrated by nanika.xls. NOTE: Microsoft has confirmed to CVE via e-mail that this is different than the other Excel vulnerabilities announced before 20060707, including CVE-2006-3059 and CVE-2006-3086.
How severe is CVE-2006-3431?
CVE-2006-3431 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2006-3431 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 28% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2006-3431?
CVE-2006-3431 affects Microsoft Excel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2006-3431?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2006-3431 published?
CVE-2006-3431 was published on 2006-07-07 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

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