Microsoft Security Vulnerabilities Database: Windows & Office CVEs
Understanding Microsoft Vulnerability Reporting
Microsoft's Security Update Cycle
Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of each month (Patch Tuesday), addressing vulnerabilities across Windows, Office, Edge, and other Microsoft products. This predictable schedule helps organizations plan their patching activities.
Microsoft CVE Components:
- Microsoft Security Bulletin ID: MSXX-XXX format (e.g., MS24-001)
- CVE ID: Standardized vulnerability identifier
- KB Article: Knowledge Base reference for technical details
- Severity Rating: Critical, Important, Moderate, Low
- Affected Products: Specific Windows/Office versions impacted
- Update Type: Security Only, Monthly Rollup, GDR vs LDR
📁 Microsoft Product Categories:
Operating system vulnerabilities (Server & Desktop)
Microsoft Office suite and productivity tools
Chromium-based Edge browser vulnerabilities
Email server and collaboration platform
Database management system vulnerabilities
Cloud platform and services security issues
Microsoft Security Ecosystem & Importance
🏢 Enterprise Impact
Microsoft products form the backbone of enterprise IT infrastructure. Vulnerabilities can affect millions of systems globally, making timely patching critical for business continuity.
🔄 Patch Tuesday Process
The monthly release cadence requires careful planning for testing, deployment, and validation across diverse enterprise environments.
🔗 Chain of Trust
Microsoft vulnerabilities often enable lateral movement in networks, making initial compromises particularly dangerous in enterprise environments.
⚖️ Compliance Requirements
Regulatory frameworks (NIST, CIS, GDPR) mandate specific patch timelines for Microsoft vulnerabilities, especially critical ones.
📊 Microsoft Patch Tuesday Statistics (Last 12 Months):
Current Microsoft Threat Intelligence & Impact Analysis
⚠️ Recent High-Impact Microsoft Vulnerabilities:
Windows Print Spooler RCE
Patch Tuesday: October 2024Remote Code Execution vulnerability in Windows Print Spooler service allowing attackers to run arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. Exploited in limited targeted attacks.
Office Memory Corruption
Patch Tuesday: November 2024Memory corruption vulnerability in Microsoft Office that could allow arbitrary code execution when opening specially crafted documents. Being exploited in phishing campaigns.
Windows Kernel EoP
Patch Tuesday: September 2024Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege vulnerability allowing authenticated users to gain SYSTEM level privileges. Publicly disclosed proof-of-concept available.
🎯 Common Microsoft Attack Vectors:
Malicious Documents
Office files with embedded exploits (Word, Excel, PDF)
Browser Exploits
Edge/IE vulnerabilities via malicious websites
Network Services
SMB, RDP, Print Spooler service vulnerabilities
Authentication Bypass
AD, Kerberos, NTLM vulnerabilities for credential theft
📈 Microsoft Severity Rating Guidelines:
Critical
Vulnerability whose exploitation could allow the propagation of an Internet worm without user action.
Important
Vulnerability whose exploitation could result in compromise of the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of user data.
Moderate
Vulnerability whose exploitation is mitigated to a significant degree by factors such as default configuration.
Low
Vulnerability whose exploitation is extremely difficult or whose impact is minimal.
🔄 Microsoft Patch Management Strategy:
1. Patch Tuesday Preparation
Review bulletins 24 hours before release, prioritize critical updates, prepare deployment packages
2. Testing Protocol
Test in isolated environment for 24-48 hours, validate application compatibility, check for regressions
3. Deployment Phases
Deploy to pilot group (1-2 days), then production servers (3-5 days), finally workstations (5-7 days)
4. Verification & Reporting
Verify patch installation, monitor for issues, document deployment completion
📦 Microsoft Update Types Explained:
Security Only
Contains only new security fixes for the month. For organizations that want to minimize changes.
Monthly Rollup
Includes both security and reliability fixes. Cumulative update recommended for most enterprises.
GDR vs LDR
General Distribution Release (minimal changes) vs Limited Distribution Release (extensive fixes).
Servicing Stack
Updates to the Windows Update mechanism itself. Must be installed before other updates.
📊 How to Use This Microsoft Vulnerability Database:
Filter vulnerabilities by product, severity, or update month. Critical vulnerabilities require immediate attention. Check the KB articles for detailed technical information and deployment instructions. Use the Patch Tuesday filter to review monthly security updates systematically.
Product Categories:
| Year | Vulnerability | Severity | Affected | Impact | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |
CVE-2025-0456
Local privilege escalation via kernel driver flaw; Allows elevation to SYSTEM
|
Critical 9.2 |
Windows 10 21H2, Windows 11 22H2
|
|
Active Exploits |
| 2024 |
CVE-2024-1683
Remote code execution due to improper validation in Exchange Server; Used in targeted attacks
|
Critical 9.8 |
Exchange Server 2016, Exchange Server 2019
|
|
Widely Exploited |
| 2023 |
CVE-2023-28297
Memory corruption in Microsoft Edge; Leads to remote code execution
|
Critical 8.8 |
Microsoft Edge 113, Microsoft Edge 114
|
|
Patched |
| 2022 |
CVE-2022-30190
Remote code execution via Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool (MSDT) in Word documents
|
Critical 7.8 |
Windows 10, Windows 11
|
|
Widely Exploited |
| 2021 |
CVE-2021-34527
Remote code execution and privilege escalation in Windows Print Spooler service
|
Critical 8.8 |
Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows Server 2019
|
|
Patched |
| 2020 |
CVE-2020-1472
Elevation of privilege via Netlogon protocol vulnerability in Windows Server
|
Critical 10.0 |
Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2019
|
|
Patched |
| 2010-2015 |
Stuxnet
Highly sophisticated worm targeting Windows systems; Used to sabotage nuclear facilities
|
N/A |
Windows 7, Windows XP
|
|
Legacy |
|
Last updated: September 2025 | Sources: NVD, CVE Details, Microsoft Security Response Center
Critical (9.0-10.0)
High (7.0-8.9)
Legacy
|
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