CVE-2012-0185

What it is

Heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Excel 2007 SP2 and SP3 and 2010 Gold and SP1, Excel Viewer, and Office Compatibility Pack SP2 and SP3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted spreadsheet that triggers incorrect handling of memory during opening, aka "Excel MergeCells Record Heap Overflow Vulnerability."

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

24.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS). Higher than most.

Fix

No patch or advisory is linked yet. Look at mitigations or restrict exposure.

Timeline

1. 2011-12-13 00:00 UTC ReservedThe CVE id was reserved by its CNA
2. 2012-05-09 00:55 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
3. 2026-06-16 23:36 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 24.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 9.3 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: none linked yet, which raises it.

Details

Published

2012-05-09 00:55 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 23:36 UTC

Exploit probability

24.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-264

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Microsoft Excel 2007
• Microsoft Excel 2010
• Microsoft Excel Viewer
• Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 9.3

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Medium

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

Complete

Integrity

Complete

Availability

Complete

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2012-0185.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2012-0185. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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