Microsoft Patch Tuesday February 2025 brings a new wave of essential security updates, addressing multiple zero-day vulnerabilities and critical system flaws. These patches are crucial for securing Windows, Office, Exchange Server, and other Microsoft products against cyber threats actively targeting unpatched systems. Additionally, other tech giants like Apple and Adobe have released significant security patches this month.

Microsoft’s Urgent Fixes: Zero-Day Exploits Patched

Microsoft has released fixes for two actively exploited zero-day vulnerabilities:

• CVE-2025-21418: A buffer overflow vulnerability in Windows, currently being exploited with low attack complexity and no user interaction required. Satnam Narang, senior staff research engineer at Tenable, noted, “Since 2022, there have been nine elevation of privilege vulnerabilities in this same Windows component.”
• CVE-2025-21391: An elevation of privilege vulnerability in Windows Storage that could allow attackers to delete files on a targeted system. Adam Barnett, lead software engineer at Rapid7, emphasized the potential severity, stating that dismissing it as mere data loss would be a mistake.

In addition to the actively exploited zero-day vulnerabilities, Microsoft has addressed other significant vulnerabilities in this month’s update:

• CVE-2025-21377: An NTLM Hash Disclosure Spoofing Vulnerability affecting most Windows desktop and server systems. Exploitation could allow attackers to authenticate as the targeted user. Microsoft has assessed this vulnerability as “exploitation more likely.”

Key Security Updates Across Microsoft Products

The February patch cycle includes fixes for 56 vulnerabilities spanning multiple Microsoft platforms. Some of the most impactful updates include:

• Windows Kernel Vulnerability – A critical flaw that could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting memory corruption.
• Exchange Server Security Patch – Addresses a security bypass vulnerability that could allow unauthorized access to sensitive email communications.
• Microsoft Office and Edge Browser Updates – Fixes remote code execution flaws that could be triggered by opening malicious documents or accessing compromised websites.

Breakdown of the Microsoft Patch Tuesday February 2025 Fixes:

• Elevation of Privilege Vulnerabilities: 19
• Security Feature Bypass Vulnerabilities: 2
• Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities: 22
• Information Disclosure Vulnerabilities: 1
• Denial of Service Vulnerabilities: 9
• Spoofing Vulnerabilities: 3

Industry-Wide Security Patches

In addition to Microsoft’s updates, other major companies have released important security patches:

• Apple: Released iOS 18.3.1 to fix a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-24200) currently being exploited in attacks.
• Adobe: Issued updates addressing 45 vulnerabilities across products like InDesign, Commerce, and Illustrator.
• Google: Chrome’s latest update will trigger updates for Chromium-based browsers, including Microsoft Edge.

Expert Recommendations

Security experts advise immediate action:

1. Apply Updates Promptly – Install the latest patches from Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, and Google to protect against known vulnerabilities.
2. Monitor Systems – Stay vigilant for any signs of exploitation, especially related to the mentioned zero-day vulnerabilities.
3. Review Security Configurations – Ensure that security settings are aligned with best practices to mitigate potential risks.
4. Enhance Endpoint Protection – Strengthen cybersecurity measures against evolving threats.

By staying updated with these patches and following expert advice, users and organizations can enhance their security posture against emerging threats. 

References

• Krebs on Security – Microsoft Patch Tuesday February 2025
• Bleeping Computer – Microsoft February 2025 Patch Tuesday
• TechTarget – Microsoft Plugs Two Zero-Days
• CyberScoop – Microsoft Patch Tuesday February 2025