Microsoft Patch Tuesday August 2015: A Comprehensive Fix for Critical Security Vulnerabilities

Microsoft Patch Tuesday is a monthly occurrence that happens every second Tuesday of the month. It is the day when Microsoft releases security updates and patches for its various products. The August 2015 edition of Patch Tuesday was particularly noteworthy, as it addressed several critical vulnerabilities in Microsoft's operating systems and applications. The patches released this month were aimed at fixing security flaws that could potentially allow hackers to gain access to sensitive information, take control of systems, and cause havoc on a large scale.

One of the most significant patches released this month was for Internet Explorer (IE). The patch fixes numerous vulnerabilities in all versions of IE, including the latest one, IE11. This patch is crucial because IE is still one of the most widely used browsers and is often targeted by cybercriminals. The vulnerabilities addressed in this patch could have allowed attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service attack on a user's system.

The August 2015 Patch Tuesday also addressed several critical vulnerabilities in Windows. One of the most severe of these was a vulnerability that affected the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) service. If exploited, this vulnerability could have allowed an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a remote system without any user interaction. This could have led to complete compromise of the system, making it a significant threat.

The patch released for Microsoft Office this month was also critical. This patch addresses several vulnerabilities that could allow an attacker to gain control of a user's system by tricking them into opening a malicious Office file. These vulnerabilities affect all versions of Microsoft Office, including the latest Office 2016. Therefore, it is essential to apply this patch as soon as possible to ensure that your system is protected from these threats.

Another important patch released this month was for Microsoft Exchange Server. The patch addresses several vulnerabilities that could allow an attacker to gain access to sensitive information or execute arbitrary code on a user's system. These vulnerabilities could have been exploited by sending a specially crafted email to a user's mailbox, making it a serious threat to organizations that use Exchange Server.

In addition to these critical patches, Microsoft also released several other security updates this month. These include patches for Windows Kernel, .NET Framework, Windows Media Center, and the Windows PDF Library. These patches address various vulnerabilities that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, gain elevated privileges, or cause a denial-of-service attack on a user's system.

Overall, the August 2015 Patch Tuesday was a significant one, as it addressed several critical vulnerabilities in Microsoft's products. It is essential to apply these patches as soon as possible to ensure that your system is protected from these threats. Microsoft has made it easy to update your system by providing automatic updates for most of its products. However, if you have disabled automatic updates, you should manually download and install the patches from Microsoft's website to ensure that your system is secure.

In conclusion, Patch Tuesday is an essential event for all Microsoft users, as it ensures that their systems are protected from the latest threats. The August 2015 edition of Patch Tuesday was particularly significant, as it addressed several critical vulnerabilities in Microsoft's products. It is crucial to apply these patches as soon as possible to ensure that your system is secure and protected from cybercriminals.

Introduction:

Microsoft Patch Tuesday is a monthly event where Microsoft releases security updates for their products. The August 2015 Patch Tuesday included 14 bulletins, with five of them being rated as critical. This article will discuss the details of each bulletin and how they affect Microsoft users.

MS15-079: Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Graphics Component Could Allow Remote Code Execution (3078662)

The first critical bulletin released in August 2015 Patch Tuesday addresses vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, Office, Skype for Business, and Lync. The vulnerability lies in the way Windows handles certain graphics files, which could allow an attacker to remotely execute code on a victim's system. The severity of this vulnerability is high, with potential attackers being able to take control of a victim's computer.

MS15-080: Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Font Driver Could Allow Remote Code Execution (3078663)

The second critical bulletin also addresses vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, but this time in the font driver. This vulnerability could be exploited if a user visits a website that contains malicious fonts or opens a document containing a malicious font. This bulletin affects all supported versions of Windows.

MS15-081: Vulnerability in Microsoft Input Method Editor Could Allow Remote Code Execution (3072630)

This bulletin addresses a vulnerability in the Microsoft Input Method Editor (IME), which is used for entering characters not on a keyboard. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted email or convincing a user to visit a malicious website. This bulletin affects Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008.

MS15-082: Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office Could Allow Remote Code Execution (3070674)

The fourth critical bulletin released in August 2015 Patch Tuesday addresses vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office. These vulnerabilities could be exploited if a user opens a specially crafted Office file or visits a malicious website. This bulletin affects all supported versions of Microsoft Office.

MS15-083: Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (3078664)

This bulletin addresses vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server, which could allow an attacker to elevate their privileges and take control of the server. The severity of this vulnerability is rated as important, but it should not be taken lightly as it could lead to a complete compromise of an organization's email system.

MS15-084: Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (3078071)

Internet Explorer is a common target for attackers, and this bulletin addresses several vulnerabilities in the browser. The severity of these vulnerabilities ranges from moderate to critical, with potential attackers being able to remotely execute code on a victim's system. This bulletin affects all supported versions of Internet Explorer.

MS15-085: Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Graphics Component Could Allow Information Disclosure (3078666)

This bulletin also addresses vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Graphics Component, but this time they could only lead to information disclosure. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to visit a malicious website or open a specially crafted document. This bulletin affects all supported versions of Windows.

MS15-086: Vulnerability in Microsoft Office Could Allow Security Feature Bypass (3074886)

The eighth bulletin released in August 2015 Patch Tuesday addresses a vulnerability in Microsoft Office that could allow an attacker to bypass security features. This vulnerability could be exploited if a user opens a specially crafted Office file or visits a malicious website. This bulletin affects all supported versions of Microsoft Office.

MS15-087: Vulnerability in Mount Manager Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (3082487)

This bulletin addresses a vulnerability in the Mount Manager, which is used to mount and dismount file systems. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by inserting a specially crafted USB device into a victim's computer. The severity of this vulnerability is rated as important.

MS15-088: Vulnerability in Windows Journal Could Allow Remote Code Execution (3086251)

The final bulletin released in August 2015 Patch Tuesday addresses a vulnerability in Windows Journal. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to open a specially crafted Journal file. The severity of this vulnerability is rated as important.

Conclusion:

August 2015 Patch Tuesday included several critical bulletins addressing vulnerabilities in Microsoft's products. Microsoft users should ensure that they have installed the necessary updates to prevent potential attackers from exploiting these vulnerabilities. It is also important for users to exercise caution when visiting websites or opening files, as attackers often use these methods to deliver their malicious payloads.

Overview of Microsoft Patch Tuesday for August 2015

Microsoft's Patch Tuesday for August 2015 offers a total of 14 security bulletins, addressing 58 vulnerabilities in various Microsoft products. The patches cover a wide range of products, including Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Windows, and Microsoft Exchange Server. Six of the bulletins are rated as critical, which means they address vulnerabilities that could allow an attacker to execute code remotely or elevate their privileges on a targeted machine. The remaining eight bulletins are rated as important, which means they address vulnerabilities that could lead to denial of service attacks, information disclosure, or other types of attacks.

Analysis of the security vulnerabilities addressed in the latest release

The critical bulletins addressed vulnerabilities in various components of Windows, including the operating system kernel, Windows Media Center, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), and Microsoft Office. One bulletin also addressed a vulnerability in Internet Explorer. These vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to take control of a victim's computer by executing malicious code remotely. The important bulletins addressed vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server, Windows Hyper-V, Windows Task Scheduler, and the .NET Framework. These vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to cause a denial of service attack, obtain sensitive information, or escalate their privileges.

Details of the critical updates that should be prioritized by IT teams

IT teams should prioritize the critical bulletins that address the vulnerabilities in Windows Media Center, RDP, and Internet Explorer. These vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they could allow an attacker to gain control of a user's computer without their knowledge or consent. Additionally, IT teams should prioritize the bulletin that addresses the kernel vulnerability as it is present in all versions of Windows.

Information on the severity and potential impact of each vulnerability

The severity and potential impact of each vulnerability varies depending on the component and product affected. The critical vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to take full control of a victim's computer, while the important vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to cause a denial of service attack or obtain sensitive information. It is important for IT teams to assess the potential impact of each vulnerability and prioritize their patching efforts accordingly.

Discussion of how the latest patches will affect different operating systems

The latest patches will affect various versions of Windows, including Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. Some of the patches also affect Windows Server 2008, 2012, and 2012 R2. It is important for IT teams to ensure that they are patching all affected systems to prevent any potential vulnerabilities from being exploited.

Recommendations for testing and implementing the updates in a safe and timely manner

Before implementing the updates, IT teams should test the patches in a non-production environment to ensure that they do not cause any compatibility issues or other problems. Once the patches have been tested, they should be deployed in a timely manner to minimize the risk of exploitation. It is also important to ensure that all systems are properly backed up before deploying any patches to prevent any potential data loss.

Discussion of any factors that may impact the success of the patching process, such as compatibility issues

Compatibility issues can arise when patching certain systems, particularly those running older versions of Windows. It is important for IT teams to ensure that all systems are compatible with the patches before deploying them. Additionally, some patches may require a system reboot, which could impact system availability. IT teams should plan for any potential downtime and ensure that all stakeholders are aware of any scheduled maintenance activities.

Comparison of this month's release to previous Patch Tuesday updates

This month's release is similar in size to previous Patch Tuesday updates, but it includes a larger number of critical bulletins. This highlights the importance of staying up-to-date with security updates and ensuring that all systems are properly patched to prevent any potential vulnerabilities from being exploited.

Advice on how to stay informed about future releases and make informed patching decisions

IT teams should monitor Microsoft's Security Bulletin page regularly to stay informed about future releases. They should also subscribe to Microsoft's Security Notification Service to receive email notifications when new security bulletins are released. Additionally, IT teams should stay informed about any emerging threats or vulnerabilities and prioritize their patching efforts accordingly.

Discussion of the broader implications of Microsoft Patch Tuesday and the importance of staying up-to-date with security updates

Microsoft Patch Tuesday is an important part of maintaining the security of enterprise systems. Failing to patch systems in a timely manner can leave them vulnerable to attacks and compromise sensitive data. It is important for IT teams to stay up-to-date with security updates and ensure that all systems are properly patched to prevent any potential vulnerabilities from being exploited. By doing so, they can help protect their organizations from cyber threats and minimize the risk of data breaches.

Microsoft Patch Tuesday August 2015

The Story

It was a sunny Tuesday morning in August 2015, and Microsoft had just released its latest batch of security updates. Dubbed Patch Tuesday, the monthly event was eagerly anticipated by IT professionals around the world.This particular Patch Tuesday was a big one, with a total of 14 security bulletins addressing vulnerabilities in various Microsoft products. These included critical updates for Internet Explorer and Windows, as well as important updates for Office and SharePoint.For many IT departments, the day was spent carefully testing and installing the updates, making sure that everything was working correctly before rolling them out to all company devices. And while the process was time-consuming and sometimes frustrating, it was an essential part of keeping their systems secure.

Point of View

From a security standpoint, Microsoft Patch Tuesday is a critical event that should not be taken lightly. It is the primary way that Microsoft releases security updates to its products, and failing to install these updates can leave your systems vulnerable to attack.As such, it is crucial that IT professionals take the time to test and install the updates as soon as possible. While it can be tempting to put off the updates until later, doing so can leave your systems vulnerable to attack.Furthermore, it is important to stay informed about the latest security threats and vulnerabilities, and to take action to protect your systems accordingly. This means staying up-to-date with the latest security bulletins and patches, as well as implementing additional security measures such as firewalls and antivirus software.

Table Information

Below is a table summarizing the key information about Microsoft Patch Tuesday August 2015:

Release Date	August 11, 2015
Number of Security Bulletins	14
Products Affected	Internet Explorer, Windows, Office, SharePoint
Severity Ratings	Critical and Important

Overall, Microsoft Patch Tuesday August 2015 was a significant event for IT professionals, and one that underscored the importance of staying vigilant when it comes to system security. By taking the necessary steps to protect their systems, IT departments can help ensure that their networks remain safe and secure from cyber threats.

Closing Message for Microsoft Patch Tuesday August 2015

Thank you for taking the time to read our comprehensive overview of the latest Microsoft Patch Tuesday update. We hope that this article has provided you with all the necessary information needed to understand the significance of these updates and how they can help protect your system from potential threats.

As we have mentioned throughout this article, it is essential that you apply these updates as soon as possible to ensure your system remains secure. In today's world, cyber threats are evolving and becoming more sophisticated, which means that we need to be more vigilant than ever before. Applying these updates is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself against these threats.

We understand that some users may be hesitant to apply these updates due to concerns about potential compatibility issues or system performance problems. However, we can assure you that Microsoft has thoroughly tested these updates to ensure they are compatible with a wide range of systems and that they do not negatively impact system performance.

If you do encounter any issues after applying these updates, we recommend that you contact Microsoft support as soon as possible. They can provide you with the necessary assistance to resolve any issues and get your system running smoothly again.

It is also worth noting that Microsoft is committed to releasing regular updates to address any new vulnerabilities or security issues that may arise. This means that you should continue to check for updates regularly and apply them as soon as possible to ensure your system remains secure.

We would like to remind you that while these updates are essential, they are not the only step you should be taking to protect your system. It is also important to ensure that you have a robust antivirus program installed, that you regularly back up your data, and that you exercise caution when browsing the internet or opening email attachments.

Finally, we would like to thank you for choosing to read our blog and for staying informed about the latest developments in the world of cybersecurity. We hope that this article has been informative and helpful, and we look forward to providing you with more updates in the future.

Stay safe and secure!