Understanding Microsoft’s Latest Security Updates – June 2025
Microsoft has published a set of crucial security updates, with implications for numerous vulnerabilities affecting its systems. As of June 10, 2025, there are notably several zero-day vulnerabilities that users and IT administrators need to be aware of. While the severity of these vulnerabilities varies, it’s important to stay informed to protect sensitive information and ensure system integrity.
Evidence of Exploitation
One significant point highlighted by Microsoft is that there is evidence of exploitation in the wild for at least one of the vulnerabilities disclosed today. This acknowledgment is reflective of the current threat landscape, which necessitates immediate attention to system updates as outlined in the CISA KEV database. Fortunately, for the ninth consecutive Patch Tuesday, none of the current zero-day vulnerabilities have been assessed as critical at the time of this update.
Critical Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities
In this month’s patch cycle, Microsoft has noted the emergence of eight critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerabilities. It’s worth mentioning that two browser vulnerabilities were disclosed separately earlier this month and are treated independently of this total.
Windows WebDAV and the New Zero-Day
A major concern this month is the release of CVE-2025-33053, marking the first zero-day vulnerability in the Windows implementation of the WebDAV protocol in seven years. Initially established in the 1990s for improved interactivity on the web, WebDAV has connections to legacy systems like Exchange Server 2010. Unfortunately, Microsoft’s continued support for WebDAV presents a security risk.
Check Point Research suggests that an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group known as Stealth Falcon is actively exploiting this vulnerability, targeting governmental entities across the Middle East. What’s particularly alarming is that the low attack complexity suggests that exploitation can occur easily via user interaction, such as clicking a malicious link. While WebDAV services have been deprecated since November 2023, patches are still applicable across various Windows versions, including those released post-deprecation, like Windows 11 and Server 2025.
SMB Client Exploit
Another zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2025-33073, pertains to the SMB (Server Message Block) client. This elevation of privilege (EoP) vulnerability has sparked attention as it potentially allows an attacker to manipulate systems through a malicious SMB server. While Microsoft has provided details on exploitation pathways, it remains unclear whether mere connection to the server suffices or if successful authentication is necessary. As the advisory stands, users should assume the risks favor attackers, warranting prompt action for mitigation.
Vital Systems Affecting the Windows KDC Proxy
Another significant vulnerability, CVE-2025-33071, pertains to the Windows KDC Proxy Service. Here, the critical RCE vulnerability arises from the exploitation of weaknesses in a cryptographic protocol. Though this issue predominantly affects Windows Server systems configured as Kerberos Key Distribution Centers, any exploitation poses serious risks due to the nature of Kerberos requests being routed from untrusted networks.
The guidance from Microsoft emphasizes the necessity for immediate patching of this vulnerability to safeguard systems against potential breaches, especially those exposing systems to untrusted networks.
Office Preview Pane Vulnerabilities
In addition to server-side vulnerabilities, Microsoft has acknowledged three critical RCE vulnerabilities associated with the Office suite—CVE-2025-47162, CVE-2025-47164, and CVE-2025-47167. These vulnerabilities were all identified by prominent security researcher 0x140ce and utilize the Preview Pane as an attack vector. For administrators managing Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, it’s important to note that patches for these specific vulnerabilities are not yet available.
Upcoming Product Life Cycle Changes
As June rolls forward, it’s important to note that this month marks a quieter period for updates regarding Microsoft product life cycle changes. However, significant changes are anticipated for July 2025, particularly with the conclusion of the SQL Server 2012 Extended Security Update (ESU) program and support for Visual Studio 2022 LTSC. Staying aligned with these updates will be essential for IT professionals as they navigate the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
In summary, Microsoft’s June 2025 security updates call for careful attention, particularly concerning zero-day vulnerabilities that pose immediate threats to systems and data integrity. Regularly updating systems and following best practices will remain vital in safeguarding technology infrastructure against potential breaches.
