How severe is CVE-2018-8636?

CVE-2018-8636 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2018-8636 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 16% (97th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2018-8636?

CVE-2018-8636 primarily affects Microsoft Excel. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2018-8636?

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-2018-8636 published?

CVE-2018-8636 was published on 2018-12-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2018-8636

CVE-2018-8636 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Excel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 16% places it in the 97th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 9.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 16% (97th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Excel
Published: 2018-12-12
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

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." This affects Office 365 ProPlus, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8597.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2018-8636?: 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." This affects Office 365 ProPlus, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8597.
How severe is CVE-2018-8636?: CVE-2018-8636 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2018-8636 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 16% (97th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2018-8636?: CVE-2018-8636 primarily affects Microsoft Excel. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2018-8636?: 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-2018-8636 published?: CVE-2018-8636 was published on 2018-12-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (6)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:excel:2010:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:excel:2013:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:excel:2013:sp1:*:*:rt:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:excel:2016:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:excel:2019:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office_365_proplus:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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