CVE-2025-53741: 
vulnerability analysis and mitigation

A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability was discovered in Microsoft Office Excel (CVE-2025-53741), disclosed on August 12, 2025. The vulnerability affects various Microsoft products including Microsoft 365 Apps, Office Online Server, Excel 2016, and Office Long Term Servicing Channel versions 2021 and 2024 across different architectures (x86, x64) and platforms (Windows, macOS) (NVD Database).

The vulnerability is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow (CWE-122) and out-of-bounds write (CWE-787) issue. Microsoft has assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 (High), with the following vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. This indicates that the vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, but no privileges, while potentially impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability at high levels (NVD Database).

The vulnerability allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code locally on affected systems. Given the high CVSS scores for confidentiality, integrity, and availability, successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of the affected system (NVD Database).

Microsoft has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Users can obtain the update through multiple channels including Microsoft Update, Microsoft Update Catalog, and Microsoft Download Center. For Office Online Server, the security update package build 16.0.10417.20034 (KB5002752) is available and replaces the previously released security update 5002740 (Microsoft Support).