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Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Microsoft December 2019 Security Updates Released

The Microsoft December security updates have been released and consist of 36 CVEs. Of these 36 CVEs, 7 are rated Critical, 28 are rated Important and 1 moderate in severity. None of the patches released this month are listed as publicly known, but one is listed as being actively exploited at the time of release.

The updates apply to the following:  Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Office Services and Web Apps, SQL Server, Visual Studio and Skype for Business.

Reminder:  After 1/14/2020 Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 will be out of extended support and no longer getting security updates.

Known Issues:  The following KBs contain information about known issues with the security updates. For a complete list of security update KBs, please see 20191210.

KB Article	Applies To
4484190	Excel 2013
4484179	Excel 2016
4461590	PowerPoint 2013
4484190	PowerPoint 2016
4484190	Word 2013
4484190	Word 2016
4530681	Windows 10
4530684	Windows 10, version 1803, Windows Server version 1803, Windows 10, version 1809, Windows Server version 1809
4530689	Windows 10, version 1607, Windows Server 2016
4530691	Windows Server 2012 (Monthly Rollup)
4530698	Windows Server 2012 (Security-only update)
4530702	Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 (Monthly Rollup)
4530714	Windows 10, version 1709
4530715	Windows 10, version 1809, Windows Server 2019
4530717	Windows 10, version 1803, Windows Server version 1803
4530730	Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 (Security-only update)
4530734	Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 (Monthly Rollup)

Recommended Reading:  

See Dustin Childs review and analysis in Zero Day Initiative — The December 2019 Security Update Review.

For more information about the updates released today, see https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-us/security-guidance/summary.  Updates can be sorted by OS from the search box. Information about the update for Windows 10 is available at Windows 10 Update history.

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.
• MSRT -- Microsoft released an updated version of the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services, and the Download Center.  Note:  Users who are paranoid about the remote possibility of a FP can opt to run this tool from a Command Prompt, appending a   /N   parameter [for "detect only" mode].
• 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
  • Windows 7

References

• Security Update FAQ
• Security Updates Guide

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Adobe FLash Player Update Released

Adobe released Version 32.0.0.303 of Adobe Flash Player for Windows, macOS, Linux and Chrome OS. The update contains assorted functional fixes.

Release date:  December 10, 2019
Vulnerability identifier: None
Platform:  Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Chrome OS

Update:

• With the option to 'Allow Adobe to install updates', the update will be automatic. Without that setting enabled, either install the update via the update mechanism when prompted or via the Download Center*.
• Windows 7 and earlier:  Installation links for Windows 7 and earlier are provided by Adobe at Installation problems | Flash Player | Windows 7 and earlier: 
• Flash Player for Internet Explorer - ActiveX 
• Flash Player for Firefox/Pale Moon - NPAPI
• Flash Player for Opera and Chromium-based browsers - PPAPI
• Uninstaller (if needed) : http://download.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/support/uninstall_flash_player.exe 
• Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer 11:  Security updates for Adobe Flash Player are automatically updated to the latest version for Windows 8.1 and 10 via Windows Update.
• Google Chrome:  Adobe Flash Player will be automatically updated to the latest Google Chrome version.
• Flash Player Uninstaller:  http://download.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/support/uninstall_flash_player.exe
• Adobe AIR:  Adobe - Adobe AIR

*Important Note:  Downloading the update from the Adobe Flash Player Download Center link includes a pre-checked option to install unnecessary extras, such as McAfee Scan Plus or Google Drive.  If you use the download center, uncheck any unnecessary extras that you do not want.  They are not needed for the Flash Player update.

Verify Installation

To verify the Adobe Flash Player version number installed on your computer, go to the About Flash Player page, or right-click on content running in Flash Player and select "About Adobe Flash Player" from the menu. 

Do this for each browser installed on your computer.

To verify the version of Adobe Flash Player for Android, go to Settings/Applications/Manage Applications/Adobe Flash Player x.x.

References

• Adobe Priority Ratings
• AIR Download Center 
• Installing and Updating Flash Player - FAQ
• Release Notes
• Security Bulletin
• PSIRT

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...