by , 10:40 AM EST, December 6th, 2006

Microsoft has issued a "zero-day" security warning for Mac and Windows Word users. If exploited, the threat could allow potentially allow someone to remotely execute code on the user's computer.

Microsoft Word v.X for the Mac, Word 2004 for the Mac, as well as Word 2000, 2002, 2003 and Microsoft Word Viewer 2003 for Windows are all susceptible to the security flaw.

Taking advantage of the threat, however, requires action on the user's part. Word users must first open a maliciously crafted document they have been given via email, on removable media, or by some other means. As a safety precaution, Microsoft advises "extreme caution" when opening unsolicited Word documents from known and unknown sources.

Microsoft has not stated when a security patch will be available.