Microsoft applications on macOS have been found vulnerable to serious security flaws, which hackers can potentially exploit. Cybersecurity experts at Cisco Talos recently uncovered multiple security vulnerabilities in popular Microsoft applications on the macOS operating system, including Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, OneNote, Excel, and Word.
These vulnerabilities can allow hackers to bypass the operating system’s permission mechanism, granting them illicit access to sensitive features such as the microphone, camera, folders, screen recording, and user data without authorization. Despite Microsoft rating these vulnerabilities as low risk, Cisco Talos warns that they can be exploited if users download apps from outside the Mac App Store or install untrusted plugins.
To safeguard against these threats, it is strongly advised that users regularly update their Microsoft and macOS applications, refrain from installing unnecessary plugins, and thoroughly review application permissions in their system settings. While there isn’t currently evidence of widescale exploitation of these vulnerabilities, users should exercise caution and implement necessary security measures to mitigate potential risks.