December 2024 Patch Tuesday: 72 Vulnerabilities Addressed, Including Critical RCEs

December is known for festive cheer and, for many Windows users, heart palpitations as they brace for the monthly barrage of security patches from Microsoft. This December 2024 Patch Tuesday is no exception, unveiling a hefty update that addresses a staggering 72 vulnerabilities, including 30 critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerabilities and one zero-day exploit.

Key Updates and Vulnerabilities Overview​

Overview of Fixed Vulnerabilities​

Microsoft's latest security haul includes a multitude of critical patches designed to bolster system security across various Windows platforms. Here’s a breakdown of what was included in this month’s update:

• 30 Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities: This means that attackers could potentially take full control of systems remotely—a nightmare scenario for any system administrator.
• 28 Elevation of Privilege Vulnerabilities: These vulnerabilities could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to higher levels of system privileges, which they could exploit to launch even more devastating attacks.
• 4 Denial of Service Vulnerabilities: These issues could result in service disruptions, making systems unusable.
• 1 Spoofing Vulnerability: A vulnerability that could allow attackers to assume the identity of a trusted user.
• 7 Information Disclosure Vulnerabilities: These provide attackers a pathway to gain sensitive information from vulnerable systems.

Zero-Day Exploit: CVE-2024-49138​

One of the standout highlights from this update is CVE-2024-49138, a zero-day vulnerability that was actively exploited in the wild before it was patched. Uncovered by the Advanced Research Team at CrowdStrike, this flaw allows attackers to escalate their privileges on systems using the Windows Common Log File System Driver. In layman’s terms, this vulnerability enables them to gain SYSTEM-level access, potentially turning a user-controlled situation into a full-blown administrative takeover of your device.

Critical Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities​

Among the critical RCE vulnerabilities, CVE-2024-49116 targets several Windows Server versions, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely. The following products are at risk:

• Windows Server 2025 (Server Core Installation)
• Windows Server 2022, 23H2 Edition (Server Core installation)
• Windows Server 2022
• Windows Server 2019
• Windows Server 2012 R2

Another crucial RCE vulnerability, CVE-2024-49112, affects Windows 10 Version 1809 across both x64 and 32-bit systems.

Elevation of Privilege Vulnerabilities Worth Noting​

Microsoft also patched a fleet of Elevation of Privilege (EoP) vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to gain higher levels of control:

• CVE-2024-49110 impacts Windows 11 Version 24H2 and other systems, marking it as a critical update for users seeking to keep their systems safe from nefarious actors.
• CVE-2024-49077, another significant EoP vulnerability, affects Windows Server 2022 23H2 Edition.

Recommended Actions for Windows Users​

As the adage goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." It is imperative for Windows users to promptly apply these updates. Ensure your systems are safeguarded against these vulnerabilities by following these steps:

• Open Windows Update: Navigate to the settings menu, select "Update & Security," and then choose "Windows Update."
• Check for Updates: Click on "Check for updates" and allow the system to look for the latest patches.
• Install Updates: If available, install all critical updates immediately.

Conclusion​

The December 2024 Patch Tuesday is a timely reminder of how critical regular updates are in the fight against cyber threats. With vulnerabilities becoming increasingly sophisticated, users must remain vigilant and ensure their systems are up to date. This month’s update is substantial, addressing critical risks that could lead to significant breaches if unpatched.
So, gather around and raise your mugs of hot cocoa—just be sure to keep your updates in check and your systems fortified against the cyber Grinches that lurk around every digital corner. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and it starts with you!
For more in-depth details on this month's vulnerabilities, remember to check Microsoft’s official security update documentation, and don’t delay applying those crucial patches!

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Source: Cyber Security News Microsoft December 2024 Patch Tuesday - 71 Vulnerabilities Fixed, Including 1 Zero-day & 30 RCEs

 

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Microsoft continues its commitment to keeping Windows users secure with the release of the December 2024 Patch Tuesday updates. Not only does this round of updates address a staggering 72 vulnerabilities, but it also introduces several functional enhancements, particularly for Windows 11 users. In a month where users may have been distracted by holiday festivities, it’s crucial to turn our attention to the significant updates and their broader implications.

A Breakdown of Vulnerabilities​

This month’s update is noteworthy for addressing 16 critical vulnerabilities, a number that underscores the increasing threats digital landscapes face. The vulnerabilities fixed in this release span across various Microsoft components, including Windows 11, SharePoint Server, and LDAP. Here are some highlights of the vulnerabilities tackled:

• CVE-2024-49112: A critical remote code execution (RCE) issue within the Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) could allow undetected attackers to compromise systems. With a CVSS score of 9.8, this flaw is particularly alarming since it can jeopardize both Windows 10 systems and the crucial Domain Controllers.
• CVE-2024-49117: This critical vulnerability found in Hyper-V can enable attackers from guest virtual machines to execute arbitrary code on the underlying host OS. This means a malicious actor could potentially disrupt numerous operations across a virtual infrastructure—a scenario IT professionals dread.
• CVE-2024-49093: Focusing on the Windows Resilient File System (ReFS), this elevation of privilege vulnerability could act as a gateway for attackers to gain inappropriate access to sensitive files, raising potential security concerns.

Critical Yet Unique Vulnerabilities​

In addition to critical vulnerabilities that demand immediate attention, this update also fixed a moderate-level flaw (CVE-2024-49138) that allows hackers to escalate privileges via attacks on the Windows Common Log File System Driver. Each vulnerability points to a need for consistent vigilance in system management and cybersecurity protocols.

Features and Enhancements​

On the improvement front, Microsoft introduced features that make Windows 11 even more versatile. The December 2024 updates enable users to share content directly from File Explorer to Android devices, turning traditional file management into a more integrated experience. However, this functionality requires users to install and configure the Phone Link app, a handy tool that enhances connectivity between devices.

Mouse Control Improvements​

Another exciting addition is the adjustment of settings related to mouse pointer precision. Users can now disable enhanced mouse pointer precision and adjust the scroll direction. These capabilities add layers of personalization, tailoring the user experience to suit individual preferences, especially beneficial for gamers and designers who rely on precise inputs.

Best Practices for Deployment​

As systems get patched and improved, organizations must adopt a proactive approach to updates. Microsoft recommends that IT administrators thoroughly test updates prior to deployment to ensure compatibility with existing systems. This practice helps mitigate the risk of introducing instability to production environments.
Additionally, creating backups before applying updates is crucial. Leveraging built-in Windows Backup features ensures that an organization can promptly restore systems to a previous state if unintended issues arise. Regular system monitoring for abnormal behaviors further supplements these practices, allowing teams to catch hiccups before they escalate into more significant problems.

Conclusion: A Necessary Annual Wrap-Up​

December’s Patch Tuesday isn’t merely a collection of technical bullet points; it serves as a potent reminder that cyber threats can emerge at any moment. With 72 vulnerabilities addressed, including features that enhance usability for Windows 11 users, this month’s overall updates illustrate Microsoft’s continued commitment to security and user experience.
As we usher out 2024, staying aware and vigilant becomes paramount. If you haven’t yet installed these updates, make it a holiday resolution—don’t let your systems fall victim to avoidable exploits. So plug in, patch up, and keep threats at bay!

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As you dive into this month’s updates, feel free to share your thoughts below—what features are you most excited about, and how do you manage updates in your organization? Let’s keep the conversation going!

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Source: Petri IT Knowledgebase Microsoft Releases December 2024 Patch Tuesday Updates