Microsoft fixes 421 bugs and a Windows zero-day in August Patch Tuesday - update ASAP
The exploited zero-day flaw could allow an attacker to gain system privileges on a Windows PC.
Microsoft released a significant update on August Patch Tuesday, addressing 421 vulnerabilities and a critical zero-day flaw. This update impacts Windows 11 25H2/24H2, Windows 11 23H2, and Windows 10 systems. One of the vulnerabilities, a Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability, has already been exploited in the wild.
An attacker could exploit this flaw to gain system privileges without any user interaction, potentially compromising files, security, and creating user accounts. While the vulnerability is rated Important, not Critical, Microsoft advises immediate deployment of the update. Additionally, the update patches two other zero-day flaws that weren't exploited yet but were publicly known before the release.
To install the update, Windows 11 users can go to Settings, select 'Windows Update,' click 'Check for updates,' and then reboot the PC. Windows 10 users need to be enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to receive security patches. The update also includes minor improvements to File Explorer, Windows Hello, Voice Access, and touchpad controls.
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