Windows 10 is now on high alert as Microsoft issues a serious update warning. The warning is in response to the recent "PrintNightmare," which is a critical zero day flaw in the Windows very own Print Spooler service.
Windows 10 CVE-2021-1675
According to Forbes, the Print Spooler service is actively being exploited by hackers in order to remotely execute code with system-level privileges. As of the moment, Microsoft is issuing a series of fixes (although still a bit flawed) that are still considered essential updates for all of the Windows users.
Microsoft announced that they recommend users to install the updates "immediately." It was stated that the security updates released on and after July 6, 2021 would include protections for the known CVE-2021-1675 as well as the additional remote code execution exploit that could potentially be abused in the Windows Print Spooler service known as the deadly "PrintNightmare."
Windows 10 Fixes Update
Microsoft is providing fixes for the eight different versions of the Windows 10 and the Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2019, the Windows 8.1, and even the more previous Windows 7 which had already officially ended its support last year. Users are advised to check which version of Windows 10 they are using in order to get the correct fix for their version.
Windows 10, version 21H1 (KB5004945)
Windows 10, version 1909 (KB5004946)
Windows 10, version 20H1 (KB5004945)
Windows 10, version 2004 (KB5004945)
Windows 10, version 1803 (KB5004949)
Windows 10, version 1507 (KB5004950)
Windows Server 2012 (KB5004960)
Windows Server 2008 SP2 (KB5004959)
Windows 10, version 1809 and Windows Server 2019 (KB5004947)
Windows 10, version 1607 and Windows Server 2016 (KB5004948)
Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB5004958)
Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 (KB5004951)
How to Update Windows
Users will also be able to find the fixes for their version's PrintNightmare vulnerability inside Windows itself through following the steps noted below:
Go to Windows
Go to Updates & Security
Go to Windows Update
Click on "Check for updates"
Check if a new July patch is installing
Restart the computer once done
BleepingComputer, however, notes that this might not be the end and the fix is still "incomplete" as of the moment. Users will then need another further "unofficial fix" coming from a popular security specialist called opatch to be completely secured.
Read Also: Microsoft Claims Passwords No Longer Needed in 2021, Here's What It Wants to Use
Why is PrintNightmare Potentially Dangerous?
Users can expect Microsoft to launch the new necessary fixes soon. The opatch, however, can be used in the meanwhile. The question is, why has the PrintNightmare become so damaging? What happened? Well, the problem could be considered an "accident."
This was because of an accident. Security researchers had accidentally published their own PoC or proof-of-concept exploit online. This caught Microsoft completely off guard and hackers were spoon-fed all of the information needed for them to be able to take advantage of different Windows computers from all around the world.
Related Article: Microsoft Windows OS Update: Six Zero-Day Bugs Including 49 Security Flaws Are Now Patched
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Urian B.
