CVE-2019-1297: Microsoft Excel memory handling flaw allows remote code execution

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 17 September 2026. Confidence: medium.

high priorityIt is listed in CISA KEV with confirmed exploitation and a high CVSS score, though it requires user interaction and a patch has long been available.

What it is

CVE-2019-1297 is a remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft Excel caused by improper handling of objects in memory. An attacker who convinces a user to open a crafted file can execute code in the context of that user, making it a serious risk on endpoints where Excel is widely used.

Impact

Successful exploitation gives the attacker code execution with the privileges of the user who opened the file, enabling malware installation, data theft or further lateral movement. The CVSS vector rates confidentiality, integrity and availability impact all as high.

Attack surface

Reached over the network (AV:N) with no privileges required (PR:N), but exploitation depends on user interaction (UI:R), typically opening a malicious Excel document. No authentication is needed on the attacker's side.

Exploitation

CISA added this CVE to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2022-03-03, indicating real-world exploitation, and EPSS gives a 30-day probability of about 21.8 percent (97.5th percentile). No ransomware campaign use is documented in the record.

What to do

• Apply the Microsoft security update referenced in the vendor advisory as the first action.
• Block or sandbox untrusted Excel attachments and documents at email and web gateways.
• Disable or restrict macros and legacy file formats where business needs allow.
• Enforce least privilege so users do not work with administrative rights.
• Track CISA KEV remediation deadlines and confirm patching across all Office and Office 365 ProPlus installs.

Detection

• Monitor for Excel spawning child processes such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe or wscript.exe.
• Alert on Office applications loading unusual DLLs or making outbound network connections.
• Hunt for recently created or downloaded Excel files in user temp, download and email attachment directories.
• Review endpoint telemetry for memory corruption crashes in Excel followed by suspicious process activity.

This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.