Be thankful: November’s Patch Tuesday has just one zero-day

The Readiness team conducts a thorough analysis each month, distilling the latest updates into actionable testing guidance that draws from an extensive app portfolio and a meticulous examination of Microsoft patches. The November release brings a suite of updates that span network infrastructure, remote connectivity, and wireless components. While there are no high-risk flags, the breadth of these updates necessitates careful testing and validation.

Network and Remote Access

Changes to the network stack have far-reaching implications for every application’s communication capabilities. In environments that utilize both IPv4 and IPv6, it is essential to validate both pathways. The Remote Desktop Protocol remains the cornerstone for remote access, making connection stability a critical factor for remote workers and administrators alike. To ensure seamless connectivity, we recommend testing the following areas related to remote connections:

  • Send and receive packets over both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols;
  • Transfer large files over IPv6 connections;
  • Test web browsing, file downloads, and workflows involving Microsoft Teams and Skype messaging;
  • Enable Remote Desktop (Settings > System > Remote Desktop) and verify client connections.

These updates from Microsoft are pivotal, influencing everything from basic packet transmission to intricate application workflows. The support for IPv6 will require dedicated validation efforts, ensuring that it operates smoothly alongside existing IPv4 network operations.

Winsage
Be thankful: November’s Patch Tuesday has just one zero-day