CVE-2010-3242

CVE-2010-3242 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Excel with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 21% places it in the 97th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-20.

Key facts

Description

Microsoft Excel 2002 SP3, Office 2004 and 2008 for Mac, and Open XML File Format Converter for Mac do not properly validate record information, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Excel document, aka "Ghost Record Type Parsing Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2010-3242?
Microsoft Excel 2002 SP3, Office 2004 and 2008 for Mac, and Open XML File Format Converter for Mac do not properly validate record information, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Excel document, aka "Ghost Record Type Parsing Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2010-3242?
CVE-2010-3242 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2010-3242 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 21% (97th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2010-3242?
CVE-2010-3242 primarily affects Microsoft Excel. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2010-3242?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2010-3242 published?
CVE-2010-3242 was published on 2010-10-13 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (4)

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