How severe is CVE-2012-0185?

CVE-2012-0185 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2012-0185 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 25% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2012-0185?

CVE-2012-0185 primarily affects Microsoft Excel. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2012-0185?

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-2012-0185 published?

CVE-2012-0185 was published on 2012-05-09 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2012-0185

CVE-2012-0185 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Excel with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 25% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-264.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 9.3)
EPSS exploit prediction: 25% (98th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Microsoft Excel
Published: 2012-05-09
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Excel 2007 SP2 and SP3 and 2010 Gold and SP1, Excel Viewer, and Office Compatibility Pack SP2 and SP3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted spreadsheet that triggers incorrect handling of memory during opening, aka "Excel MergeCells Record Heap Overflow Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2012-0185?: Heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Excel 2007 SP2 and SP3 and 2010 Gold and SP1, Excel Viewer, and Office Compatibility Pack SP2 and SP3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted spreadsheet that triggers incorrect handling of memory during opening, aka "Excel MergeCells Record Heap Overflow Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2012-0185?: CVE-2012-0185 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2012-0185 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 25% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2012-0185?: CVE-2012-0185 primarily affects Microsoft Excel. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2012-0185?: 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-2012-0185 published?: CVE-2012-0185 was published on 2012-05-09 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (7)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:excel:2007:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:excel:2007:sp3:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:excel:2010:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:excel:2010:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:excel_viewer:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office_compatibility_pack:*:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office_compatibility_pack:*:sp3:*:*:*:*:*:*

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