The Top Three MS Office Exploits Hackers Are Using Right Now
Recent findings highlight the top three Microsoft Office exploits that cybercriminals are frequently using in real-world attacks. These include flaws in macro-enabled documents, malicious embedded objects, and privilege escalation vulnerabilities—often leveraged via phishing emails or booby-trapped Office files. Attackers exploit users’ trust in familiar file formats, planting malware or harvesting sensitive data once the victim opens an infected document. The article urges individuals and organisations to disable macros by default, apply regular patches, and stay vigilant against suspicious attachments.
Cybercriminals have been heavily targeting Microsoft Office, taking advantage of file formats and features that many people routinely trust. The three most common exploits, according to newly released data, revolve around macros, embedded objects, and certain privilege escalation flaws within Office applications.
1. Macro-Enabled Documents
Malicious macros remain a go-to method for attackers because they can execute code the moment a document is opened. Even though Microsoft has introduced stricter settings for disabling macros, phishing emails often coax users into reactivating them.
2. Malicious Embedded Objects
Some threat actors embed hidden code or executables within an apparently harmless Word or Excel file. Once triggered, the embedded item can fetch or install malware, often bypassing basic antivirus checks if the user trusts the file.
3. Privilege Escalation Vulnerabilities
Attackers exploit flaws in Office’s security sandbox or Windows privileges to elevate their access. This tactic lets them move laterally across a network, harvest credentials, or disable existing security controls.
Key Defences
• Disable Macros by Default: Encourage staff and users never to enable macros unless absolutely necessary.
• Regular Updates & Patches: Ensure Microsoft Office and Windows are kept current to fix known exploits.
• User Education: Train employees to be cautious with unexpected attachments—especially from unfamiliar senders.
By keeping macros off, applying consistent patch management, and adopting healthy scepticism towards attachments, UK businesses and home users can drastically reduce the risk of falling victim to these Office-based exploits.