For September, Patch Tuesday Brings Fixes Across Microsoft’s Ecosystem
Microsoft’s recent Patch Tuesday for September showcased an impressive array of 86 patches, targeting key products like Office, Windows, and SQL Server. Despite the comprehensive nature of these updates, the absence of zero-day vulnerabilities marks a significant win for Microsoft’s update team this month. This scenario alleviates the immediate “patch now” urgency typically associated with critical vulnerabilities.
A notable shift in security ratings towards a more moderate level for Microsoft’s browser platform highlights a trend towards enhanced stability and reduced urgency in deployment. This adjustment allows for more thorough testing and thoughtful implementation of this month’s patches. To aid in understanding the risks associated with these updates, Readiness has curated an insightful infographic detailing the nuances of deploying updates across different platforms.
Key Insights and Recommendations
– Known Issues: Microsoft has identified specific edge cases affecting devices with the September 2025 Hotpatch update and security update, emphasizing the importance of ensuring full system updates for seamless operations.
– Major Revisions and Mitigations: Critical vulnerabilities like the Windows Hyper-V Remote Code Execution and Active Directory Domain Services Elevation of Privilege require immediate attention and additional actions for comprehensive mitigation.
– Windows Lifecycle and Enforcement Updates: While no enforcement updates were issued, organizations are advised to address the upcoming expiration of Secure Boot certificates to prevent any disruptions in June 2026.
Testing Focus Areas
– Network Infrastructure and Connectivity: Validate core network components and test various network traffic conditions to ensure seamless connectivity.
– Graphics, DirectX, and Application Guard: Verify the functionality of critical updates for graphics subsystems and security isolation components to maintain optimal performance.
– Authentication and Directory Services: Thoroughly test authentication scenarios to ensure secure domain and workstation access.
– Bluetooth Device Management: Conduct extensive testing on Bluetooth pairing and management to address any potential connectivity issues.
– Routing and Remote Access Services (RRAS): Validate RRAS components for organizations relying on routing and remote access functionality.
– Additional App Testing: Test privacy controls, VPN connections, and application functionality to ensure user privacy and system security.
Product Family Updates
– Browsers: Microsoft’s browser platform received internal updates rated moderate, emphasizing the importance of integrating these changes into regular release schedules.
– Microsoft Windows: Critical patches addressing vulnerabilities in key Windows features were released, with a recommendation for a standard release schedule.
– Microsoft Office: Two critical updates for Microsoft Office along with 15 important patches were issued, suitable for inclusion in standard update cycles.
– Microsoft Exchange and SQL Server: Important updates for SQL Server without any Microsoft Exchange updates were released, requiring inclusion in server update schedules.
– Developer Tools: No updates were issued for Microsoft developer tools and platforms this cycle.
– Adobe (and Third-party Updates): A single update for third-party products, focusing on addressing vulnerabilities in Newtonsoft.Json, was released this month.
In conclusion, the September Patch Tuesday underscores Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing security and stability across its ecosystem. By prioritizing thorough testing and strategic deployment of updates, organizations can ensure a robust and secure IT environment. Stay informed, stay protected.