Is Your Computer Safe from these Threats

Critical Microsoft Updates: Protect Your PC from 82 New Vulnerabilities

Every day, hackers are looking for new ways to break into your computer. And really, they don't always have to look for new ways—sometimes they can rely on old ones. That’s because many people still don’t install the necessary patches to protect their systems.

Microsoft just released its latest batch of security updates on Patch Tuesday, addressing 82 different CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures). Shockingly, five of these vulnerabilities are already being actively exploited by hackers.

How Do You Protect Yourself?

I’m Bryan Longworth, host of A Faster PC Live Technical Support, and in this post, we’ll break down the most critical threats and show you how to install these updates to keep your computer secure.

What’s Included in the Latest Microsoft Updates?

Microsoft’s latest patches cover 75 new CVEs across:

  • Windows & Windows components
  • Office & Office components
  • .NET & Visual Studio
  • Azure (Microsoft’s cloud platform)
  • Nuance PowerScribe
  • Remote Desktop Gateway Service
  • Microsoft Defender

Including third-party CVEs, a total of 82 vulnerabilities have been patched. Out of these:

  • 12 are rated Critical
  • The rest are Important in severity

A Concerning Trend: Microsoft Office Vulnerabilities

What’s unusual this time is that many of the security flaws affect Microsoft Office. This means that later this year:

  • Users who haven’t updated
  • Users running outdated, unsupported versions of Office

…could fall victim to these attacks.

5 Zero-Day Exploits—Hackers Are Already Attacking

Five of these vulnerabilities are under active attack, meaning cybercriminals are already exploiting them. If you haven’t installed the updates yet, you need to do so immediately.

1. Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability

  • Allows remote code execution if a user clicks a malicious link.
  • Forces Microsoft Edge into Internet Explorer (IE) mode—proving that the "ghost of IE" still haunts us.
  • Microsoft hasn’t disclosed how widespread these attacks are, but updates must be installed ASAP.

2. Windows Common Log File System Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

  • This Windows component has been repeatedly exploited in previous months.
  • Allows privilege escalation, meaning a standard user could gain admin or system-level access.
  • Often paired with code execution bugs to take full control of a system.
  • Historically used in ransomware attacks—update now to avoid becoming a victim.

3. Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

  • Another recurring issue—this same component was exploited in February’s updates.
  • Raises concerns about patch quality—are hackers finding ways around fixes?
  • Another privilege escalation bug that grants system-level access.

4. Microsoft DWM Core Library Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

  • The final known in-the-wild exploit patched this month.
  • First seen patched in January, but now actively exploited.
  • Yet another privilege escalation flaw leading to system-level code execution.

Why Are Privilege Escalation Bugs So Dangerous?

Many of these vulnerabilities are privilege escalation bugs. But why does that matter?

Because well-secured systems restrict standard users from having admin rights. However, these bugs allow attackers to:

  • Bypass security controls
  • Gain elevated privileges
  • Execute malicious code with system-level access

Best Practice: Limit Admin Rights

Whether you’re a business, medical office, or home user, your accounts should not have admin rights by default. At A Faster PC, we:

  • Use standard user accounts for daily tasks.
  • Have a separate admin account only used when necessary.
  • Use specialized software to temporarily elevate privileges only when needed.

How to Install These Critical Updates

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Open the Start Menu (bottom-left in Windows 10, centered in Windows 11).
  1. Click the Settings (gear/cog) icon.
  2. Go to Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for Updates.
  4. If updates are available, install them immediately.

Important: Restart Your Computer

  • Some updates only fully install after a reboot.
  • If you see two arrows in a circular motion near your clock, your PC needs a restart to complete the update process.

Let Us Handle Updates for You

At A Faster PC, our managed service clients get:

  • Automated Windows updates (checked twice daily).
  • Software patches (Firefox, Chrome, Zoom, Adobe Reader, etc.) scanned every 4 hours.
  • Zero hassle—we handle everything so you don’t have to worry.

Need Help? Contact Us Today!

For tech support, patch management, and cybersecurity, contact A Faster PC:

📞 Call us: 772-878-5978.

📅 Book a FREE discovery call

🛡️ Download Our FREE Cybersecurity Report.

💻 Get tech support help today!

🔒 Need help securing your devices? You need A Faster PC! If you want to take your cybersecurity to the next level, call A Faster PC at 772-878-5978.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—update now, and stay protected! 🚀