How severe is CVE-2020-0979?

CVE-2020-0979 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-0979 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 11% (95th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-0979?

CVE-2020-0979 affects Microsoft Office 365 Proplus. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-0979?

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-2020-0979 published?

CVE-2020-0979 was published on 2020-04-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-0979

CVE-2020-0979 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Office 365 Proplus with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 11% places it in the 95th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
CVSS v2: 9.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 11% (95th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Office 365 Proplus
Published: 2020-04-15
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 CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-0906.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-0979?: 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 CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-0906.
How severe is CVE-2020-0979?: CVE-2020-0979 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-0979 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 11% (95th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-0979?: CVE-2020-0979 affects Microsoft Office 365 Proplus. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-0979?: 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-2020-0979 published?: CVE-2020-0979 was published on 2020-04-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0979

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office_365_proplus:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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