Microsoft Outlook RCE Vulnerability: Update Now to Prevent Attacks

Redazione RHC : 11 December 2025 07:36

A critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in Outlook has been patched by Microsoft, potentially allowing attackers to run malicious code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability, tracked under CVE-2025-62562, stems from a use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Office Outlook and has a CVSS severity of 7.8.

The exploit is triggered locally, requiring the attacker to trick a user into interacting with a malicious email. Once this is done, the attacker convinces the user to respond to a spoofed email, triggering the code execution chain .

A vulnerability that requires user interaction

According to Microsoft , it is critical that organizations prioritize installing available security updates for all versions of Microsoft Office that have been impacted by the update.

The vulnerability affects several versions of Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Word 2016 (both 32-bit and 64-bit). The preview pane prevents the threat from executing. The attacker requires the user to manually respond to a specially crafted email to exploit the vulnerability.

Microsoft has confirmed that security patches are available through Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center. This interaction requirement adds an additional layer of difficulty. However, it remains a real threat in real-world scenarios where social engineering techniques could convince users to respond.

Haifei Li of EXPMON reported the vulnerability using the Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure process. As of publication, there is no evidence of active exploitation or public disclosure of the exploit code.

Updates for Microsoft Office LTSC for Mac 2021 and 2024 are not immediately available. They will be released as soon as possible. For systems without immediate patch availability, Microsoft recommends staying alert for unsolicited emails and avoiding responding to suspicious messages.

The human factor is still the turning point

Despite the continued evolution of defense technologies, the human factor remains the weakest link in the entire security chain. The Outlook RCE vulnerability clearly demonstrates this: the exploit doesn’t activate automatically , but requires the user to respond to a specially crafted email.

In an environment where attacks are becoming increasingly convincing thanks to AI-enhanced social engineering techniques, even a single click can become the gateway to a serious compromise. Organizations that fail to invest in ongoing employee training inevitably find themselves exposed, because no patch or technological solution can compensate for unwarranted behavior.

In the era of AI-driven threats, risk awareness is no longer just an added value, but a key factor in business resilience. Modern attacks leverage behavioral analytics, AI-generated texts that are indistinguishable from humans, and targeted campaigns that leverage habits, work pressures, and psychological automatisms.

In this scenario, developing a culture of security— based on vigilance, healthy doubts, and verification processes— becomes as essential as keeping systems up to date. Only by integrating technology and informed behavior can companies truly resist the increasingly sophisticated threats that artificial intelligence contributes to generating.

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