The August 2023 Microsoft security updates have been released, fixing a total of 74 CVE-numbered bugs. Two special items, labeled “Exploitation Detected,” caught attention on Microsoft’s bug listing page. These items, Microsoft Office: ADV230003 and Memory Integrity System Readiness Scan Tool: ADV230004, do not directly correspond to any of the month’s CVE numbers. The Office advisory is related to security improvements to tackle a zero-day bug from last month, which involved the Mark of the Web system. The second advisory does not mention any CVE numbers, making it unclear what problem it is addressing. However, it pertains to the Memory Integrity System Readiness Scan Tool and its missing RSRC section. The Patch Tuesday bug-listing page mentions “Exploitation Detected,” while the advisory page states “Exploitation More Likely.” Other notable fixes this month include vulnerabilities in Exchange and Teams, with the latter being rated critical due to the potential for remote code execution. To protect against these bugs, it is crucial to patch early and often, and exercise caution with online invitations. If unsure, it is best to err on the side of caution and leave out suspicious requests. For official information and updates, refer to Microsoft’s official August 2023 Security Updates overview page.
Key Points:
1. The August 2023 Microsoft security updates address 74 CVE-numbered bugs.
2. Two special items labeled “Exploitation Detected” appear on the bug listing page, but do not correspond to this month’s CVE numbers.
3. The Office advisory relates to security improvements for a zero-day bug patched last month.
4. The second advisory addresses the missing RSRC section in the Memory Integrity System Readiness Scan Tool.
5. Other noteworthy fixes include vulnerabilities in Exchange and Teams, with the latter rated critical for potential remote code execution.
6. Patching early and frequently, and exercising caution with online invitations, is essential for protection.
