Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/12/patch_tuesday_february_2025/
Source: The Register
Title: February’s Patch Tuesday sees Microsoft offer just 63 fixes
Feedly Summary: Don’t relax just yet: Redmond has made some certificate-handling changes that could trip unprepared admins
Patch Tuesday Microsoft’s February patch collection is mercifully smaller than January’s mega-dump. But don’t get too relaxed – some deserve close attention, and other vendors have stepped in with plenty more fixes.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
**Summary:** The text discusses Microsoft’s February Patch Tuesday release which contains a series of critical security vulnerabilities primarily affecting Windows and other software. Notably, the vulnerabilities include ones that allow for elevated privileges, remote code execution, and potential attacks on domain controllers. The implications for security and compliance professionals are substantial, given the nature of the flaws and the urgent need for timely patching.
**Detailed Description:** The content focuses on Microsoft’s monthly security updates and highlights significant vulnerabilities that pose risks to users and organizations:
– **Overview of Patches:**
– Microsoft released a total of 63 patches this month, with two of those vulnerabilities actively being exploited.
– Detailed consideration is warranted for a few specific vulnerabilities impacting various versions of Windows.
– **Key Vulnerabilities:**
– **CVE-2025-21418**: A CVSS score of 7.8, allowing local attackers to elevate privileges on Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server.
– **CVE-2025-21391**: A 7.1-rated vulnerability affecting Windows Storage; local attackers can delete files.
– **CVE-2025-21194**: Affects Surface devices; poses a risk of hypervisor compromise but requires specific conditions.
– **CVE-2025-21198**: Critical vulnerability with a CVSS of 9.0 could lead to remote code execution in high-performance computing environments.
– Patches for Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel, that include vulnerabilities rated 7.8 concerning remote code execution.
– **Changes to Domain Controller Authentication:**
– Microsoft is enforcing changes in certificate-based authentication that will require careful reconfiguration of certificate mappings to avoid authentication denials.
– **Third-party Vendor Patches:**
– The text mentions patches from Adobe (45 patches with critical security flaws in products like Adobe Commerce and InDesign) and SAP, alongside security updates from Fortinet addressing critical vulnerabilities.
– **Implications for Compliance and Governance:**
– The urgency to implement these patches underscores the necessity for robust compliance and governance frameworks to manage vulnerabilities effectively.
– Security professionals must watch audit logs after patch installations to catch any anomalies as a preventive measure against exploitation.
– **Best Practices Recommended:**
– Administrators are urged to prioritize patching immediate risks, especially for vulnerabilities with high CVSS scores which could impact entire infrastructures.
– Continuous monitoring of certificate mapping and keeping current with patch schedules is critical for maintaining security postures.
Overall, professionals in security, infrastructure, and compliance must pay close attention to these vulnerabilities, as they not only create immediate risks but also highlight the overarching importance of proactive security measures and timely updates.