Microsoft January 2025 Patch Tuesday – 159 Vulnerabilities Fixed, Including 10 Critical RCEs

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Microsoft’s January 2025 Patch Tuesday brought critical updates addressing 159 vulnerabilities, including 10 classified as critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerabilities. These updates are crucial for mitigating potential threats to Windows operating systems and related software.

Key Highlights of January 2025 Patch Tuesday

Microsoft’s January update tackled a range of security issues. Here’s a breakdown of the most critical vulnerabilities:

Critical RCE Vulnerabilities

CVE-2025-21362 & CVE-2025-21354

• These vulnerabilities in Microsoft Excel could enable remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted file.
• Impact: Attackers can execute arbitrary code with user privileges.

CVE-2025-21309 & CVE-2025-21297

• Found in Windows Remote Desktop Services, these vulnerabilities allow remote code execution through malicious connections or files.

CVE-2025-21295 & CVE-2025-21294

• Affecting authentication mechanisms like SPNEGO and Digest Authentication, these could compromise system integrity through crafted inputs.

CVE-2025-21307

• A vulnerability in the Reliable Multicast Transport Driver (RMCAST), enabling remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.

CVE-2025-21298 & CVE-2025-21296

• Target vulnerabilities in Windows OLE and BranchCache, facilitating remote code execution.

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Zero-Day Vulnerabilities Addressed

Microsoft also addressed three zero-day vulnerabilities actively exploited in the wild:

1. CVE-2025-21275: Elevation of Privilege in Windows App Package Installer

• Description: This flaw allows attackers to gain SYSTEM-level privileges, granting full control over the compromised system.
• Recommendation: Immediate patch installation to prevent potential exploits.

2. CVE-2025-21308: Windows Themes Spoofing Vulnerability

• Description: This vulnerability triggers by loading a specially crafted Theme file in Windows Explorer, automatically sending the logged-in user’s NTLM credentials to an attacker-controlled server.
• Mitigation: Disable NTLM or enforce the “Restrict NTLM: Outgoing NTLM traffic to remote servers” security policy.

3. CVE-2025-21186, CVE-2025-21366, CVE-2025-21395

• Description: Critical RCE vulnerabilities in Microsoft Access exploited via malicious documents.
• Solution: Avoid untrusted files and update to the latest version.

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Microsoft Access Vulnerabilities

• Impact: Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in Microsoft Access documents to execute malicious code.
• Prevention: Regularly update software and implement robust endpoint security.

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Other Vendor Updates

In addition to Microsoft’s patches, other vendors released critical updates:

1. Fortinet: Fixed an authentication bypass zero-day vulnerability.
2. Ivanti: Addressed a Connect Secure vulnerability exploited for malware deployment.
3. SonicWall: Patched vulnerabilities in SSL VPN and SSH management.
4. Cisco, Adobe, SAP, and GitHub: Released various security fixes for known exploits.

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Recommendations for Users and Organizations

To mitigate risks, consider the following steps:

1. Apply Updates Immediately
   • Ensure systems and software are updated with the latest patches.
2. Disable NTLM
   • Implement policies to restrict NTLM usage for enterprise networks.
3. Implement Advanced Security Measures
   • Use firewalls, endpoint security solutions, and intrusion detection systems to strengthen defenses.
4. Train Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices
   • Educate users to recognize phishing attempts and avoid opening untrusted files.

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Microsoft’s Commitment to Security

Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday is an integral part of its commitment to providing secure, reliable systems. With vulnerabilities continuously evolving, these updates highlight the importance of proactive patch management.

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FAQs

1. What is Patch Tuesday?
Patch Tuesday refers to Microsoft’s monthly release of security updates, typically occurring on the second Tuesday of each month.

2. How critical are the vulnerabilities in this update?
This update addresses 159 vulnerabilities, including 10 critical RCE vulnerabilities and three actively exploited zero-days, making it essential for immediate deployment.

3. What are RCE vulnerabilities?
Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerabilities allow attackers to execute code remotely on a target system, often leading to full system compromise.

4. How can I mitigate NTLM vulnerabilities?
Disable NTLM or enforce policies to restrict NTLM traffic using Microsoft’s guidelines.

5. Are non-Microsoft products affected?
Yes, other vendors like Fortinet, Adobe, and Cisco also released critical updates in January 2025.

6. What should organizations prioritize in their cybersecurity strategy?
Organizations should prioritize regular updates, employee training, and advanced security measures like endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools.

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How Technijian Can Help

At Technijian, we specialize in comprehensive IT and cybersecurity solutions tailored to your organization’s needs. With expertise in patch management, threat detection, and vulnerability assessment, we help businesses:

• Streamline Patch Deployment: Efficiently update all systems with minimal downtime.
• Enhance Cybersecurity Posture: Protect against zero-day threats and critical vulnerabilities.
• Provide 24/7 Monitoring: Stay ahead of emerging threats with real-time monitoring.
• Offer Expert Guidance: Receive personalized advice to strengthen your security defenses.

Secure your systems today with Technijian’s trusted IT solutions.