Advisories
CVE-2026-81956: Remote Code Execution in Microsoft Excel for Mac – Immediate Update Required
Microsoft released patches for CVE-2026-81956, a remote code execution flaw in Excel on macOS. Only Mac Office users are affected; other platforms remain safe. Apply the update promptly to mitigate the risk.
What Happened
Microsoft identified a remote code execution vulnerability in Excel for macOS, assigned CVE-2026-81956. The flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted spreadsheet.
Impact
Mac users running affected Office versions are at risk. Windows, Linux, and other Office deployments are not vulnerable. The vulnerability can lead to full system compromise if exploited.
Mitigation Steps
- Verify Office version on macOS.
- Download and install the latest Office update from Microsoft’s release notes.
- Verify the update by checking the build number or via the Office update mechanism.
- Consider disabling automatic macro execution and enforce strict file validation for incoming spreadsheets.
Additional Guidance
Microsoft recommends that administrators enforce the update through corporate deployment tools and monitor for any anomalous activity post‑patch.