March 2023 Microsoft Patch Tuesday: 58 Vulnerabilities Fixed

Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday for March has unleashed a veritable arsenal of security updates to plug 58 vulnerabilities across Windows, Office, and Edge—a potent reminder that even the most trusted ecosystems require constant vigilance. For Windows users, both home and corporate, the message is clear: patch now, patch promptly, and, if possible, upgrade to supported operating systems to safeguard your digital world.

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A Closer Look at the Windows Updates​

Microsoft’s March update addresses 58 vulnerabilities, with 37 impacting various iterations of Windows—from Windows Server to the ever-popular Windows 10 and 11. Although Microsoft has been rather tight-lipped about the full technical details in its Security Update Guide, experts have pieced together plenty of insights to help informed administrators understand the stakes.

Key Vulnerabilities in Windows​

• Exploited in the Wild:
  Six Windows vulnerabilities are already known to be under active attack. Notably, CVE-2025-26633, found in the Microsoft Management Console (MMC), is being exploited by the notorious ATP group EncryptHub (aka Larva-208). This vulnerability, which mishandles MSC file processing, can allow attackers to bypass security restrictions and execute code with user privileges—putting more than 600 organizations at risk.
• Threats via Malicious Virtual Hard Drives:
  Two vulnerabilities, CVE-2025-24993 and CVE-2025-24985, are of particular concern when a specially crafted virtual hard drive (VHD) file is mounted. One targets the NTFS file system via a Remote Code Execution (RCE) flaw, while the other exploits a driver issue within the FAT file system. When paired with an Elevation of Privilege (EoP) vulnerability, these flaws could give attackers total control of the affected system.
• Kernel-Level Weakness:
  CVE-2025-24983 in the Win32 kernel subsystem poses another significant risk: If a logged-in user unwittingly executes a maliciously crafted program, it could allow code to run with system privileges. Combined with other RCE exploits, this vulnerability might even lead to a full system takeover.
• Remote Desktop Service Risks:
  Among the vulnerabilities that Microsoft classifies as critical are five RCE flaws in Windows—notably, two in the Remote Desktop Services (RDS): CVE-2025-24035 and CVE-2025-24045. These flaws, which expose RDS gateways to potential remote code injection, highlight how attackers can leverage network-connected services to infiltrate systems.

In summary, while none of the exploited vulnerabilities have been designated “critical” by Microsoft (likely due to the current scope of exploitation), their mere active presence in the wild underscores the urgency for all Windows users to update their systems immediately.

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Office and Edge Under the Microscope​

Microsoft Office Vulnerabilities​

Office products have not escaped scrutiny either. Eleven vulnerabilities have been fixed across Office apps and services, and the nature of these issues is uniformly concerning—they’re all RCE vulnerabilities. Some highlights include:

• Access Under Fire:
  Among these, CVE-2025-26630 in Microsoft Access was already publicly known as a zero-day vulnerability. Even though the critical danger in Office appears to center on CVE-2025-24057—which is likely to affect all Office applications—the presence of these flaws in ubiquitous productivity tools demands swift action.
• Word and Excel Risks:
  Both Word and Excel are hit with three separate RCE vulnerabilities each, reinforcing the message that no aspect of the Office suite is immune from exploitation. Considering how many organizations rely on these apps for day-to-day operations, administrators must be extra vigilant.

Updates to Microsoft Edge​

Security isn’t limited to the core operating system and productivity suite. Microsoft’s Edge browser, an increasingly essential tool for modern computing, has received a targeted patch. Version 134.0.3124.51—which integrates Chromium 134.0.6998.45—addresses an Edge-specific vulnerability (CVE-2025-26643). Meanwhile, Google’s Chrome has also been updated (to version 134.0.6998.89) to fix a zero-day vulnerability, reflecting a broader ecosystem-wide emphasis on browser security.

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Implications for Windows Users and IT Administrators​

The comprehensive set of patches issued this month paints a telling picture of a landscape fraught with both emerging and evolving threats. Let’s break down what this means for different user segments:

For Enterprise Administrators​

• Network Vigilance:
  With active threats like those targeting the MMC and VHD vulnerabilities, corporate networks must implement rigorous monitoring and logging. System administrators should review incident response protocols and verify that group policies are updated to mitigate any potential risk vectors.
• Upgrade Imperative:
  Given that Windows 7 and 8.1 no longer receive security updates, it’s essential to upgrade to Windows 10 (22H2) or Windows 11 (24H2) where possible. With hundreds of vulnerabilities—and active exploitation in some cases—the cost of staying on unsupported systems is simply too high.
• Timely Testing and Rollout:
  The recent patch cycle illustrates the necessity for prompt testing on staging environments. Ensuring compatibility with critical applications prior to full-scale deployment can help mitigate disruptions while keeping security standards high.

For Home Users​

• Stay Updated:
  The message for the everyday Windows user is unequivocal: if you’re running a supported version of Windows, get these patches installed without delay. Keeping your systems updated is the first line of defense against various ransomware and remote exploitation attacks.
• Reassess Browser Usage:
  With updates rolling out for both Edge and Chrome, it’s a good idea to check and update your browsers regularly. Security updates for browsers are just as vital, considering they are often the most direct interface between you and the web.
• Check Your OS:
  If your hardware supports it, now is the time to consider an upgrade—especially if you’re still clinging to Windows 7 or 8.1. Not only do these systems lack modern security patches, but they also put your personal data at significant risk.

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Expert Insights and Broader Context​

Experts like Dustin Childs, writing on the Trend Micro ZDI blog, have taken a deep dive into these patches, offering valuable insights for those managing corporate networks. His analysis draws attention to a disturbing trend: vulnerabilities are not only being discovered at a rapid pace but are also finding their way into active exploitation campaigns before fixes are even available. This trend raises a serious question for all IT professionals: How can we better anticipate and pre-empt these attackers in real time?

Historical Perspective​

Remember earlier Patch Tuesdays where vulnerabilities in widely used systems would often go overlooked until it was too late? Today, the scale and complexity of security threats demand proactive measures. Historical trends show that timely patches can not only mitigate current threats but also reduce the potential fallout from zero-day vulnerabilities that might otherwise pave the way for more severe breaches.

Real-World Case Studies​

Consider the impact of the MMC vulnerability (CVE-2025-26633). When a targeted group like EncryptHub exploits such a flaw, it isn’t just a statistic—it translates into real-world disruptions and, in some cases, costly data breaches. Over 600 organizations have reportedly been hit by attacks leveraging this vulnerability, underscoring the reality that cyber threats are far from hypothetical. IT administrators must thus treat these vulnerabilities with the same urgency as a full-scale natural disaster.

Broader Industry Impact​

The ripple effects of such patch cycles are felt well beyond the individual user or organization. Each successful exploitation can pave the way for wider industry impacts, influencing everything from market confidence in major vendors to how regulatory bodies frame cybersecurity guidelines. In this context, the synchronization between browser updates (such as those for Edge and Chrome) and core operating system patches is a strategic move towards creating a more resilient digital ecosystem.

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Tips for a Smooth Patch Tuesday​

Given the streamlined schedule of Microsoft's updates (with the next Patch Tuesday slated for April 8, 2025), here's a handy checklist to ensure your systems remain secure:

1. Review Windows Versions:
   • Verify that your Windows installation is still within the support window. This is particularly critical for those still using Windows 7 or 8.1.
2. Schedule Regular Maintenance:
   • Set aside regular maintenance windows to perform updates, ensuring that any potential downtime is managed proactively.
3. Monitor Security Advisories:
   • Keep a close eye on Microsoft's Security Update Guide and trusted expert analyses. Look out for detailed reports from researchers who often provide practical insights into exploited vulnerabilities.
4. Update All Connected Applications:
   • Beyond the operating system, ensure that software like Office and browsers are regularly updated. Vulnerabilities exist in every corner of your digital ecosystem.
5. Implement Additional Security Measures:
   • Use antivirus solutions, enable firewalls, and enforce least privilege policies—especially for applications like MMC that have been singled out by attackers.

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Conclusion​

Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday for March reinforces a crucial mantra: security is a journey, not a destination. With 58 vulnerabilities addressed—some actively abused by sophisticated threat actors—the importance of staying on top of updates cannot be overstated. For Windows users, whether home or enterprise, the fairytale of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” simply doesn’t apply in today’s fast-evolving threat landscape.
System administrators and everyday users alike are urged to apply these patches immediately and remain vigilant. The consistent cycle of patch releases, including the next update scheduled for April 8, 2025, serves as a reminder that in the realm of cybersecurity, being proactive and informed is your best defense.
Stay safe, stay updated, and remember: in technology as in life, the best offense is a good defense.

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Source: PCWorld Big March patch fixes dozens of security flaws in Windows and Office