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CVE-2025-47176: Critical Microsoft Outlook Vulnerability Patch Released

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On June 10, 2025, Microsoft disclosed a high-impact vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook, the widely used enterprise email client. Tracked as CVE-2025-47176, this flaw allows remote code execution (RCE) on target systems, without requiring users to click on links or open attachments.

Discovered by Check Point Research during internal code analysis and rated 7.8 (High) on the CVSS scale, this vulnerability presents a serious risk to organizations worldwide. A patch has now been released by Microsoft, but businesses need to proactively apply it and secure their systems.

Key Findings

Key Features:

  • Vulnerability ID: CVE-2025-47176
  • Attack Vector: Path Traversal leading to Local Code Execution with remote initiation
  • User Interaction: None. The exploit executes silently once triggered
  • Privileges Required: Low. Any authenticated user, including compromised accounts, can initiate the attack
  • Patch Availability: Patch released with June 2025 Microsoft security updates
  • Affected Software: All supported Microsoft Outlook versions
  • Primary Risk: Remote Code Execution (RCE)
  • Exploitability: High. Due to low complexity, remote trigger, and low privilege requirements
  • Notable Limitation: Not exploitable via Preview Pane

Note: Office Click-to-Run and Office 365 installations must be updated manually or set to auto-update. There is no direct download for the patch.

How Does It Work?

CVE-2025-47176 exploits a path traversal flaw in Outlook. By using specially crafted character sequences like …/…//, attackers can bypass directory restrictions and inject malicious code into local systems. Although the execution occurs locally, the trigger can be initiated remotely.

Once triggered, the vulnerability can be used to steal Outlook data, including emails, credentials, and attachments, deploy malware or ransomware, and establish persistent access to the system.

How Was It Discovered?

Check Point Research uncovered the vulnerability during a technical review of how Outlook processes file paths. Microsoft promptly validated the findings, acknowledged the potential impact, and released a patch as part of its June 2025 security updates. While the update is essential, it does not retroactively address systems that may have already been compromised. Until the patch is fully deployed across all affected environments, devices remain exposed to potential exploitation.

Download the Official Patch from Microsoft

Why Does This Matter?

CVE-2025-47176 affects all current versions of Microsoft Outlook and can be exploited:

  • Without user mistakes – no clicks, downloads, or phishing needed
  • With low privileges – meaning any compromised user account could be used
  • Remotely initiated – while the code executes locally, it can be triggered from afar
  • Without alerting users – making detection more difficult for traditional security tools

The potential fallout includes ransomware deployment, credential theft, network-wide compromise, and long-term system instability.

Also read: The Largest Password Leak In History: 16 Billion Credentials Exposed

What Should You Do to Stay Safe?

1. Deploy the Patch Immediately - Apply Microsoft’s June 2025 Outlook security update across all affected devices. Prioritize deployment in environments where Outlook is heavily used.

Patch Steps:

Step Action
Update Outlook Use Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog to apply the June 2025 Office patch.
Verify Version Confirm installation by checking the registry key: HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\ClickToRun\Configuration\VersionToReport.
Ensure Coverage Confirm deployment across Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, Office LTSC 2024, and Office 2019.

2. Monitor Outlook Closely - Use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR/XDR) tools to detect suspicious file access patterns or path traversal attempts, executable launches from Outlook directories, and anomalous behavior linked to email processes.

3. Limit Privileges - Apply the principle of least privilege. Users should only have access necessary for their role. Reducing privileges will limit the blast radius of a potential breach.

4. Secure Your System - Restrict write access to directories used by Outlook and implement application whitelisting or execution controls in temporary and email-related folders.

5. Train Employees - Even though this exploit doesn’t require user interaction, attackers often chain vulnerabilities. Educate staff on strong password hygiene and recognize indirect phishing or access attempts.

6. Backup Critical Data - Ensure secure and frequent backups of critical data. In case of ransomware or other threats, backups are your best recovery tool.

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