A new string of software updates is available as part of Microsoft’s latest efforts to improve its computer technology. In this brief guide, we’ll review some of the most important Microsoft January 2024 Patch Tuesday updates and explain the key cybersecurity vulnerabilities that Microsoft has uncovered. Discover what this update means for your security as a Microsoft user.
Key Software Updates From January 2024 Patch Tuesday
All Microsoft software programs, ranging from Microsoft Office to the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver, undergo monitoring to check for ways that cybercriminals might exploit the technology. The company quickly addresses these vulnerabilities every month on Patch Tuesday. The first Patch Tuesday of 2024 brings security solutions to 48 different flaws across the software.
Two of these four dozen vulnerabilities have a Critical severity rating, while the remaining issues fall under the Important severity rating. The Microsoft January 2024 Patch Tuesday updates prevent dangerous security breaches and protect users who install the update immediately.
Microsoft Resolves Critical Security Flaws
The 48 Microsoft January 2024 Patch Tuesday updates prevent cybercriminals from inflicting major damage to vulnerable programs. In particular, two security flaws have a Critical rating from the Common Vulnerability Scoring System, with scores of 7.5 and 9.0 out of 10. Discover what these vulnerabilities entail below.
Windows Kerberos Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability
Some of the most severe cyberattacks today involve hackers impersonating legitimate users by gaining unauthorized access to accounts. A Windows Kerberos authentication protocol bug would allow attackers to bypass key security features and then send malicious messages to the victim’s machine.
Should a hacker exploit this vulnerability, they could spoof the local network and pretend to be the Kerberos authentication server. Attacking this would involve user interaction and information disclosure.
Windows Hyper-V Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
The second-biggest concern for Microsoft is a vulnerability involving the Windows Hyper-V server. Threat actors can perform remote code execution without authentication or user interaction. This bug has a slightly lower CVSS rating because it is more difficult to exploit.
Hackers would need to infiltrate the private network first and then win a race condition. Regardless of the probability of an attack, Microsoft users can have peace of mind knowing they won’t be victims, thanks to the latest Patch Tuesday updates.
How Microsoft Improves Cybersecurity for Users
If you use any Microsoft programs for your business, keep up with the latest patch updates. Installing monthly software updates as soon as they become available can protect your network and employees from falling victim to a dangerous cyberattack. Microsoft January 2024 Patch Tuesday updates follow several bug fixes the company made to its Chromium-based Edge browser in December.
Thankfully, none of the issues in January’s patch are under active attack, making this the second consecutive Patch Tuesday without zero-day exploitations. Consistently tracking bugs and rolling out monthly updates helps Microsoft deliver better, safer software you can continue to trust.
