CVE-2026-78439: Microsoft Office Graphics Component Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Overview

Severity

High (CVSS 8.8)

CVSS Vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C

Category

Remote Code Execution

Exploit Status

Not Exploited

Exploitation Likelihood

Less Likely

Patch Tuesday

2026-Sep

Released

2026-09-08

Last Updated

2026-09-17

EPSS Score

0.84% (percentile: 57.4%)

Description

Stack-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Graphics Component allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.

FAQ

According to the CVSS metric, the attack vector is network (AV:N) and user interaction is required (UI:R). What is the target context of the remote code execution? This attack requires a user to open a specially crafted file from the attacker to initiate remote code execution. Is the Preview Pane an attack vector for this vulnerability? No, the Preview Pane is not an attack vector. Are the updates for Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021 and 2024 currently available? Yes. As of September 16, 2026, the security update for Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021, 2024 and Microsoft Office 365 for Mac are available. Customers running Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021, 2024 and Microsoft Office 365 for Mac should ensure the update is installed to be protected from this vulnerability.

Affected Products (4)

Microsoft Office

• Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021
• Microsoft Office for Android
• Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2024
• Microsoft Office 365 for Mac

Security Updates (3)

• Release Notes
• Release Notes
• Release Notes

Revision History

• 2026-09-08: Information published.
• 2026-09-17: Microsoft is announcing the availability of the security updates for Microsoft Office for Mac. Customers running affected Mac software should install the update for their product to be protected from this vulnerability. Customers running other Microsoft Office software do not need to take any action. See the Release Notes for more information and download links.