The Top 3 Microsoft Office Exploits That Are Still Active in 2025

Despite constant advancements in cybersecurity, Microsoft Office documents remain one of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to gain access to sensitive systems. With malware delivery methods ranging from phishing schemes to sophisticated zero-click exploits, Office-based attacks continue to be a prevalent threat in 2025. In this article, we’ll explore the top three Microsoft Office-based exploits that are still actively being used and provide essential advice on how to protect your organization.

Phishing Through Microsoft Office Documents: A Persistent Threat

Phishing attacks delivered via Microsoft Office files are far from new, but they remain one of the most effective tactics used by cybercriminals. Attackers exploit the trust that users have in Office files, particularly in business environments where documents are regularly exchanged. Common methods of phishing through Office files include fake invoices, shared reports, and even fraudulent job offers. These files are designed to look legitimate, making it easy for the recipient to click and open them.

Once a malicious Office file is opened, attackers attempt to steal login credentials, typically by tricking the victim into visiting fake login pages for services like Microsoft 365. These documents may also contain links that redirect victims to credential-harvesting websites.

In recent times, attackers have even embedded QR codes in Office documents. When scanned, these codes redirect victims to malicious websites or initiate malware downloads. However, tools like ANY.RUN sandbox can help detect these malicious activities and mitigate the risk.

2. CVE-2017-11882: The Equation Editor Vulnerability

The Equation Editor vulnerability, discovered in 2017 (CVE-2017-11882), is another persistent exploit that is still wreaking havoc in organizations running outdated versions of Microsoft Office. The vulnerability targets a rarely used component of older Office builds—the Microsoft Equation Editor. Once a victim opens a malicious document containing this exploit, it triggers a malware payload to download and execute in the background.

What makes this exploit particularly dangerous is its simplicity. Unlike more complex malware attacks, CVE-2017-11882 doesn’t require any macros or additional user interaction. Simply opening the malicious Word document is enough to activate the exploit, giving attackers access to the system. The payload often includes information stealers like Agent Tesla, which captures sensitive data such as keystrokes, credentials, and clipboard data.

Despite Microsoft patching the vulnerability years ago, it continues to be a popular attack vector for cybercriminals targeting systems that haven’t been updated.

3. CVE-2022-30190:

The Follina exploit (CVE-2022-30190) remains one of the most efficient attack methods in 2025, largely due to its ability to execute malicious code without macros or any user interaction beyond opening a document. This exploit abuses the Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool (MSDT) and embedded special URLs in Office documents to trigger remote code execution. As a result, opening a Word document can initiate malicious scripts, often PowerShell-based, that contact an attacker’s command-and-control server.

Moreover, Follina attacks are frequently part of multi-stage attack chains, amplifying their impact by incorporating other vulnerabilities or payloads. In some cases, attackers use steganography to hide malicious code within image files, making it harder to detect the threat.

What Undercode Says: Analyzing Microsoft Office Exploits in 2025

The ongoing popularity of Microsoft Office exploits in 2025 highlights the persistent vulnerability of trusted business tools. Despite improvements in security features, cybercriminals continue to take advantage of human trust and outdated software versions to infiltrate systems. One of the main takeaways from these three exploits is that attackers have mastered the art of low-effort, high-reward attacks, making it essential for businesses to be proactive in their security efforts.

Phishing remains a top-tier strategy for cybercriminals. The reliance on email communications and document sharing within business environments means that phishing attacks are often the easiest and most effective way to gain unauthorized access. The integration of QR codes into these attacks is an example of how malicious actors are evolving their tactics. Traditional methods like these are still the most effective for one simple reason: they prey on human error.

The Equation Editor vulnerability (CVE-2017-11882) stands as a stark reminder of the dangers of outdated software. Despite the patch being available for years, many organizations still run legacy versions of Microsoft Office, leaving them open to simple yet devastating attacks. This illustrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software to avoid such vulnerabilities.

Finally, Follina (CVE-2022-30190) is an example of how sophisticated and evasive modern attacks have become. This exploit demonstrates that even with advanced security mechanisms, attackers are still able to find ways to execute code remotely. The ability to bypass traditional detection methods and escalate attacks through multi-stage chains underscores the evolving nature of threats in the modern cybersecurity landscape.

In conclusion, it is clear that Microsoft Office will continue to be a prime target for cybercriminals. As we move forward, organizations must prioritize comprehensive security practices such as regular software updates, advanced malware analysis tools, and employee training to stay one step ahead of evolving threats.

Fact Checker Results

Phishing in Office Files: Remains a leading method of cybercrime, with phishing links still hidden in Word and Excel documents, exploiting trust in daily business communications.
CVE-2017-11882: Despite being patched, it continues to be an active threat for those running outdated Office versions, highlighting the risk of unpatched software.
Follina Exploit: A significant threat, utilizing the Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool to execute code silently and continue spreading through multi-stage attacks.

References:

Reported By: https://thehackernews.com/2025/03/top-3-ms-office-exploits-hackers-use-in.html
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