CVE-2025-21363: 
vulnerability analysis and mitigation

Microsoft Word contains a Remote Code Execution vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-21363. The vulnerability was discovered and reported to Microsoft on October 31, 2024, and was publicly disclosed on January 15, 2025. This security flaw affects multiple versions of Microsoft Office products, including Microsoft 365 Apps Enterprise (x64 and x86), Microsoft Office 2021 LTSC for macOS, and Microsoft Office 2024 LTSC for various platforms (NVD, ZDI).

The vulnerability exists within the parsing of DOCX files and stems from improper initialization of a pointer prior to accessing it, classified under CWE-822 (Untrusted Pointer Dereference). The vulnerability has received a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 (High), with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating local attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and user interaction required for exploitation (ZDI).

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process, potentially leading to complete system compromise with the same privileges as the victim user. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, all rated as High according to the CVSS metrics (ZDI).

Microsoft has released a security update to address this vulnerability. Users are advised to apply the latest security patches available through the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC).