CERT-In Issues High-Risk Advisory on Microsoft Product Vulnerabilities in 2025

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has recently issued a high-risk advisory concerning multiple vulnerabilities identified in various Microsoft products. These security flaws could potentially allow attackers to gain elevated privileges, execute remote code, access sensitive information, bypass security restrictions, perform spoofing attacks, or cause denial-of-service (DoS) conditions.

Affected Microsoft Products​

The vulnerabilities impact a wide range of Microsoft products, including:

• Microsoft Windows: Various versions of Windows operating systems are susceptible to these vulnerabilities, which could lead to remote code execution and security bypasses.
• Microsoft Office: Applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are at risk, necessitating caution when handling Office files.
• Microsoft Azure: The cloud computing platform is also affected, highlighting the importance of securing cloud-based resources.
• Microsoft Dynamics: This enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution is part of the affected products, urging organizations to take necessary precautions.
• Microsoft Developer Tools: Tools used for software development are included in the advisory, emphasizing the need for developers to stay informed about updates.
• Microsoft Apps: Various applications across different platforms are also vulnerable.
• Microsoft System Center: This suite for managing IT environments is among the affected products.

The comprehensive list underscores the widespread nature of these vulnerabilities across Microsoft's product ecosystem.

Specific Vulnerabilities and Their Impacts​

CERT-In's advisory details several vulnerabilities, each identified by a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) identifier. Some notable examples include:

• CVE-2024-26238: A critical remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft Windows.
• CVE-2024-29994: An elevation of privilege vulnerability affecting Windows systems.
• CVE-2024-30042: A remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft Office.
• CVE-2024-30053: A cross-site scripting vulnerability in Microsoft Azure.

These vulnerabilities could lead to severe consequences, such as unauthorized access to systems, data breaches, and service disruptions.

Recommendations for Users and Administrators​

To mitigate the risks associated with these vulnerabilities, CERT-In recommends the following actions:

• Apply Security Updates: Users and administrators should promptly apply the security updates provided by Microsoft in their May 2025 security release.
• Restrict Access: Limit access to affected services, such as Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), to trusted sources only.
• Monitor Systems: Regularly monitor systems for unusual activities and implement robust security measures to detect and prevent potential exploits.

Staying vigilant and proactive in applying these recommendations is crucial to safeguarding systems against potential threats.

Broader Implications and Industry Response​

The issuance of this high-risk advisory by CERT-In highlights the ongoing challenges in cybersecurity, especially concerning widely used software products. The vulnerabilities span across various Microsoft products, affecting a broad user base and emphasizing the need for timely updates and security practices.
Microsoft has acknowledged these vulnerabilities and has released patches to address them. Users are urged to apply these updates without delay to protect their systems from potential exploits.
This situation underscores the importance of regular software updates and the need for organizations to have robust patch management policies in place. It also serves as a reminder for users to stay informed about security advisories from official sources and to act promptly to mitigate risks.
In conclusion, the recent advisory from CERT-In serves as a critical reminder of the ever-present threats in the digital landscape. By staying informed and proactive, users and organizations can better protect themselves against potential cyber threats.

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Source: Business Standard https://www.business-standard.com/t...ft-tools-affected-details-125052600645_1.html