How severe is CVE-2026-20949?

CVE-2026-20949 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-2026-20949 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (33rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2026-20949?

CVE-2026-20949 primarily affects Microsoft 365 Apps. In total, 8 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2026-20949?

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.

Does CVE-2026-20949 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2026-20949 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-2145.

When was CVE-2026-20949 published?

CVE-2026-20949 was published on 2026-01-13 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2026-20949

CVE-2026-20949 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft 365 Apps with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-284.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (33rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2026-2145
Weakness: CWE-284
Affected product: Microsoft 365 Apps
Published: 2026-01-13
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Improper access control in Microsoft Office Excel allows an unauthorized attacker to bypass a security feature locally.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-20949?: Improper access control in Microsoft Office Excel allows an unauthorized attacker to bypass a security feature locally.
How severe is CVE-2026-20949?: CVE-2026-20949 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-2026-20949 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (33rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-20949?: CVE-2026-20949 primarily affects Microsoft 365 Apps. In total, 8 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-20949?: 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.
Does CVE-2026-20949 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2026-20949 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-2145.
When was CVE-2026-20949 published?: CVE-2026-20949 was published on 2026-01-13 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-20949

Affected products (8)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:365_apps:-:*:*:*:enterprise:*:x64:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:365_apps:-:*:*:*:enterprise:*:x86:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office_long_term_servicing_channel:2021:*:*:*:*:-:x64:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office_long_term_servicing_channel:2021:*:*:*:*:-:x86:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office_long_term_servicing_channel:2021:*:*:*:*:macos:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office_long_term_servicing_channel:2024:*:*:*:*:-:x64:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office_long_term_servicing_channel:2024:*:*:*:*:-:x86:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office_long_term_servicing_channel:2024:*:*:*:*:macos:*:*

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