Microsoft has unveiled its highly anticipated Patch Tuesday security updates for February 2025, addressing a broad spectrum of vulnerabilities that span its extensive range of products and services. This month’s release is particularly significant, as it includes critical fixes for remote code execution (RCE) vulnerabilities, elevation of privilege flaws, and various other security issues that could be leveraged by attackers. Organizations and individual users are strongly encouraged to implement these updates without delay to fortify their systems against potential threats.
Vulnerability Breakdown
The February update encompasses fixes for:
- 25 Remote Code Execution vulnerabilities
- 14 Elevation of Privilege vulnerabilities
- 6 Denial of Service vulnerabilities
- 4 Security Feature Bypass vulnerabilities
- 2 Spoofing vulnerabilities
- 1 Information Disclosure vulnerability
Microsoft Patch Tuesday, February 2025
This month’s update addresses over 61 vulnerabilities, including both critical and important issues. Among the most notable fixes are:
Critical Vulnerabilities
CVE-2025-21376 – This critical vulnerability poses a risk of remote code execution through the exploitation of the LDAP protocol. Organizations utilizing LDAP services should prioritize this update.
CVE-2025-21379 – A flaw in the DHCP client service could allow attackers to compromise systems via specially crafted network packets, making it critical due to its potential for remote exploitation.
CVE-2025-21381, CVE-2025-21386, CVE-2025-21387 – Multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Excel could enable malicious actors to execute code by persuading users to open specially crafted files.
CVE-2025-21406, CVE-2025-21407 – These vulnerabilities affect the Windows Telephony Service and could be exploited remotely to execute arbitrary code.
Exploited in the Wild
Two vulnerabilities patched this month have been confirmed as actively exploited:
CVE-2023-24932 – An attacker could bypass Secure Boot protections, potentially compromising the integrity of boot processes.
CVE-2025-21391 – This vulnerability allows attackers to gain elevated privileges on affected systems.
CVE-2025-21418 – An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain SYSTEM privileges.
Other Notable Fixes
- Visual Studio Remote Code Execution (CVE-2025-21176, CVE-2025-21178): Developers using Visual Studio should apply these updates immediately to mitigate potential RCE risks.
- Azure Network Watcher VM Extension Elevation of Privilege (CVE-2025-21188): Cloud administrators are advised to address this vulnerability impacting Azure environments.
- Microsoft Office RCE Vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-21392, CVE-2025-21397): These flaws could be exploited via malicious Office documents.
Many of the vulnerabilities addressed this month carry a high impact, particularly those related to remote code execution and elevation of privilege, which could enable attackers to take control of affected systems or escalate their access within networks. A detailed table of the 61 vulnerabilities addressed in Microsoft’s February 2025 Patch Tuesday is available, showcasing the critical nature of these updates.
How to Update
Users and administrators can apply these updates through the following methods:
- Windows Update: Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
- Microsoft Update Catalog: Download individual patches for offline installation.
- WSUS (Windows Server Update Services): For enterprise environments, managing updates centrally.
With two vulnerabilities already being exploited in the wild, delaying updates could leave systems vulnerable to active threats. Microsoft has also stressed the importance of installing the latest servicing stack updates (ADV990001) to ensure the smooth deployment of security patches. The February 2025 Patch Tuesday highlights the increasing complexity of cybersecurity threats that organizations face today, underscoring the necessity for IT teams to act swiftly in deploying these critical fixes.
