PatchTheCVECVE-2026-97016: Heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Office Outlook allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a
CVE-2026-97016 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting 365 apps, office 2021, office 2024. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
Heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Office Outlook allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 1.2% (top 33%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-122 |
| Published | 2026-10-13 |
| Last modified | 2026-10-15 |
Last updated 2026-10-15 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2026-97016?
365 apps: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; office 2021: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; office 2024: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2026-97016 being exploited?
CVE-2026-97016 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2026-97016 affect?
CVE-2026-97016 affects 365 apps, office 2021, office 2024. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). Heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Office Outlook allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
How urgent is CVE-2026-97016?
Priority 64/100. Critical severity; CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist
Software pages
Microsoft Office vulnerabilities · Outlook vulnerabilities
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