How severe is CVE-2023-21716?

CVE-2023-21716 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2023-21716 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 82% (100th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-21716?

CVE-2023-21716 primarily affects Microsoft Office. In total, 12 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-21716?

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-2023-21716 published?

CVE-2023-21716 was published on 2023-02-14 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-21716

CVE-2023-21716 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Office with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 82% places it in the 100th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-190.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.x base score 9.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 82% (100th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-190
Affected product: Microsoft Office
Published: 2023-02-14
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Microsoft Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-21716?: Microsoft Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
How severe is CVE-2023-21716?: CVE-2023-21716 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-21716 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 82% (100th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-21716?: CVE-2023-21716 primarily affects Microsoft Office. In total, 12 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-21716?: 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-2023-21716 published?: CVE-2023-21716 was published on 2023-02-14 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2023-21716

Affected products (12)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office:2019:*:*:*:*:macos:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office_long_term_servicing_channel:2021:*:*:*:*:macos:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office_online_server:2016:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office_web_apps:2013:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:sharepoint_enterprise_server:2013:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:sharepoint_enterprise_server:2016:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:sharepoint_foundation:2013:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:sharepoint_server:-:*:*:*:subscription:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:sharepoint_server:-:language_pack:*:*:subscription:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:sharepoint_server:2019:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:word:2013:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:word:2013:sp1:*:*:rt:*:*:*

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