IRONSMITHINTEL
HIGHCVSS8.1
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2026-42897|Auth: none — unauthenticated|Reboot: required|Manual only

Microsoft Exchange Server Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability

Microsoft Exchange Server contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability during web page generation in Outlook Web Access and when certain interaction conditions are met, arbitrary JavaScript can be executed in the browser context.

Published May 14, 2026 · Updated May 16, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A remote attacker, without authentication, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2026-05-29 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) (CWE-79) vulnerability in Microsoft Microsoft. Improper neutralization of input during web page generation ('cross-site scripting') in Microsoft Exchange Server allows an unauthorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network. Exploitation requires remote network access, low attack complexity, no authentication required, and user interaction required.

📧

Phishing link

🖼

Malicious file

🔓

Server compromised

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

IT Security
Running exchange server: -, 2016, 2019
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

CISA added this CVE to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2026-05-15 based on evidence of active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies required to remediate by 2026-05-29.

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

References

    1
    Vendor advisory: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/en-US/vulnerability/CVE-2026-42897
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-42897
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2026-42897
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