How severe is CVE-2015-6172?

CVE-2015-6172 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2015-6172 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 54% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2015-6172?

CVE-2015-6172 primarily affects Microsoft Office. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2015-6172?

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-2015-6172 published?

CVE-2015-6172 was published on 2015-12-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2015-6172

CVE-2015-6172 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Office with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 54% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-20.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 9.3)
EPSS exploit prediction: 54% (99th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-20
Affected product: Microsoft Office
Published: 2015-12-09
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Microsoft Word 2007 SP3, Office 2010 SP2, Word 2010 SP2, Word 2013 SP1, Word 2016, Word 2013 RT SP1, and Office Compatibility Pack SP3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted email message processed by Outlook, aka "Microsoft Office RCE Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2015-6172?: Microsoft Word 2007 SP3, Office 2010 SP2, Word 2010 SP2, Word 2013 SP1, Word 2016, Word 2013 RT SP1, and Office Compatibility Pack SP3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted email message processed by Outlook, aka "Microsoft Office RCE Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2015-6172?: CVE-2015-6172 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2015-6172 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 54% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2015-6172?: CVE-2015-6172 primarily affects Microsoft Office. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2015-6172?: 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-2015-6172 published?: CVE-2015-6172 was published on 2015-12-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (7)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office:2010:sp2:x64:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office:2010:sp2:x86:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office_compatibility_pack:*:sp3:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:word:2007:sp3:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:word:2010:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:word:2013:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:word:2013:sp1:*:*:rt:*:*:*

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