Microsoft December 2020 Security Updates

The Microsoft December security updates have been released and consist of 58 CVEs and one Advisory, ADV200013, which provides guidance on a spoofing vulnerability in the DNS Resolver.  Of these 58 CVEs, 9 are rated Critical, 46 Important, and 3 are rated low in severity.  

The updates apply to the following:  Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Edge (EdgeHTML-based), Microsoft Edge for Android, ChakraCore, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Office Services and Web Apps, Microsoft Exchange Server, Azure DevOps, Microsoft Dynamics, Visual Studio, Azure SDK, and Azure Sphere.

If you are using Windows Update, the latest Servicing Stack Update (SSU) (KB4593175) will be offered to you automatically. To get the standalone package for the latest SSU, search for it in the Microsoft Update Catalog.  For information about Servicing Stack updates see Servicing Stack Updates (SSU).

The KBs listed below contain information about known issues with the security updates. 

KB Article	Applies To
4592438	Windows 10, version 2004, Windows Server version 2004, Windows 10, version 20H2, Windows Server version 20H2
4592440	Windows 10 Version 1809, Windows Server 2019
4592449	Windows 10, version 1903, Windows Server version 1903, Windows 10, version 1909, Windows Server version 1909
4592468	Windows Server 2012 (Monthly Rollup)
4592471	Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 (Monthly Rollup)
4592484	Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 (Monthly Rollup)
4592495	Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 (Security-only update)
4592497	Windows Server 2012 (Security-only update)
4592498	Windows Server 2008 (Monthly Rollup)
4592503	Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 (Security-only update)
4592504	Windows Server 2008 (Security-only update)
4593226	Windows 10, version 1607, Windows Server 2016
4593465	Exchange Server 2019, Exchange Server 2016
4593466	Exchange Server 2013
4593467	Exchange Server 2010 Service Pack 3

 

Recommended Reading:   

See Dustin Childs review and analysis in Zero Day Initiative — The December Security Update Review.

For more information about the updates released today, see the new version of the Security Update Guide, described here.

IMPORTANT Adobe Flash Player will go out of support on December 31, 2020. For more information, see Adobe Flash end of support on December 31, 2020. Flash content will be blocked from running in Flash Player beginning January 12, 2021. For more information, see Adobe Flash Player EOL General Information Page.

Additional Update Notes:

• Adobe Flash Player -- For Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1 and Windows 10, Adobe Flash Player is now a security bulletin rather than a security advisory and is included with the updates as identified above.  However, the embedded ActiveX Flash for IE/EdgeClassic on Windows 8.1/10 remains at x.445.
• MSRT -- The Malicious Software Removal Tool is now run on a quarterly basis rather than monthly.  See Remove specific prevalent malware with Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool.
• Servicing Stack Updates -- A list of the latest servicing stack updates for each operating system can be found in ADV990001. This list will be updated whenever a new servicing stack update is released. It is important to install the latest servicing stack update. Learn more about SSU's in Servicing Stack Updates (SSU)
• Windows 10 updates are cumulative. The monthly security release includes all security fixes for vulnerabilities that affect Windows 10, in addition to non-security updates. The updates are also available via the Microsoft Update Catalog.
• For information on lifecycle and support dates for Windows 10 operating systems, please see Windows Lifecycle Facts Sheet.
• Windows Update History:
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8.1

References

• Security Update FAQ
• December Security Updates Guide

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