How severe is CVE-2026-40420?

CVE-2026-40420 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2026-40420 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (21st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2026-40420?

CVE-2026-40420 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-2026-40420?

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-2026-40420 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2026-40420 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-29677.

When was CVE-2026-40420 published?

CVE-2026-40420 was published on 2026-05-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2026-40420

CVE-2026-40420 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft 365 Apps with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. 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 8.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (21st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2026-29677
Weakness: CWE-284
Affected product: Microsoft 365 Apps
Published: 2026-05-12
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Use after free in Microsoft Office allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-40420?: Use after free in Microsoft Office allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
How severe is CVE-2026-40420?: CVE-2026-40420 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-40420 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (21st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-40420?: CVE-2026-40420 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-2026-40420?: 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-2026-40420 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2026-40420 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-29677.
When was CVE-2026-40420 published?: CVE-2026-40420 was published on 2026-05-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-40420

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:2019:*:*:*:*:*:x64:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office:2019:*:*:*:*:*: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:2024:*:*:*:*:-:x64:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:office_long_term_servicing_channel:2024:*:*:*:*:-:x86:*

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