Microsoft security updates for its Windows operating system and Office software suite patch dozens of potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals. The patches are part of a monthly cycle commonly referred to as Patch Tuesday. They patch numerous security weaknesses, some of which can be used by the attacker to execute arbitrary code, elevate privileges, and gain entire control of affected systems from a distance. In the current acceleration of cyber threats, updating patching has become an urgent need for every user and organization.
Total Update
Microsoft security updates have already gone live to address a wide range of applications from Microsoft, including Windows 10, Windows 11, Office 2019, Office 2021, and apps for Microsoft 365. As of November 2024, researchers reported that Microsoft patched a total of 60 security vulnerabilities. Some are categorized as “Critical” or “Important”.
According to PC World, some of the vulnerabilities, especially those affecting Windows, would allow hackers to gain privilege escalation, bypass security software, or even allow running arbitrary code. The bugs had existed at kernel-level Windows components such as Windows Kernel, Chromium-based Microsoft Edge, and the Windows TCP/IP stack. If unchecked, it would be possible for hackers to own whole systems, which makes them very interesting weapons.
Vulnerabilities of Note
One of the main problems with this month’s rollup is a dreadful remote code execution vulnerability in the Windows Graphics Component-CVE-2024-30587. A spoofed image file made by an attacker could let him execute arbitrary code on a victim’s machine if that victim were tricked into opening it. According to *PC World*, “This could allow the attack to take full control of the system, steal sensitive data, or install ransomware”.
The Windows Kernel is suffering from two major attacks. The first is an elevation of privilege (EoP) flaw, specifically CVE-2024-30600, through which the attacker might elevate his privileges for administrative access to a machine. That kind of flaw is typically used together with another to escalate an attack. It will allow an adversary to install malware or manipulate system configurations.
Secondly, Microsoft patches the series of vulnerabilities presented in the suite of Microsoft Office, among which one is a critical vulnerability with zero days in Microsoft Excel (CVE-2024-30588), allowing an attacker to perform any kind of arbitrary code execution by using specially crafted Excel file, particularly popular in enterprise environments, this might affect thousands of individuals if not patched.
Risk Mitigation
Microsoft security updates remind organizations relying on Microsoft products to run their business operations that patch management must be accomplished continually. Cybercriminals tend to exploit established vulnerabilities in widely used software, so patching will always be an essential part of the cybersecurity policy of any organization.
To limit these risks, end-users should upgrade operating systems to the newest Windows and Office releases as quickly as possible. The updates supported by Microsoft encompass both automatic and manual deployment, while the IT administrator must do his part by implementing necessary security patches across his network infrastructure. Users should, in the meantime avoid downloading files, and clicking on links contained in emails from untrusted sources to not get caught in the social engineering attacks.
Conclusion
Cyber threats only evolve. It is therefore essential to stay current with the latest security patches if they were not patched yet and are, in some way, being exploited. The November 2024 Patch Tuesday update provided the necessary fixes for Windows and Office vulnerabilities across a broad range of vulnerabilities. There is a great need to patch in due time to mitigate certain security risks. These vulnerabilities should be immediately applied by end-users and organizations to protect their systems and data from the ever-evolving threats of cyber security. For further coverage of these vulnerabilities and how they may affect your systems, go to *PC World* for coverage on the November security patch update.
