Microsoft security advisory

Number: AV20-308
Date: 21 August 2020

On 19 August 2020 Microsoft released an out-of-band security update to address vulnerabilities in the following versions of Windows:

• Windows 8.1
• Windows RT 8.1
• Windows Server 2012 R2

https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/4578013/security-update-for-windows-8-1-rt-8-1-and-server-2012-r2

An actor with execution rights on affected systems could exploit a memory handling flaw in Windows Remote Access to escalate privileges.

The Cyber Centre encourages users and administrators to review the provided web link and apply the necessary updates as soon as possible.

Note to Readers

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security Cyber securityThe protection of digital information, as well as the integrity of the infrastructure housing and transmitting digital information. More specifically, cyber security includes the body of technologies, processes, practices and response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access so as to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability. (Cyber Centre) operates as part of the Communications Security Establishment.  We are Canada’s national authority on cyber security and we lead the government’s response to cyber security events. As Canada's national computer security incident response team, the Cyber Centre works in close collaboration with government departments, critical infrastructure Critical infrastructureProcesses, systems, facilities, technologies, networks, assets, and services essential to the health, safety, security, or economic well-being of Canadians and the effective functioning of government. Critical infrastructure can be stand-alone or interconnected and interdependent within and across provinces, territories, and national borders. Disruptions of critical infrastructure could result in catastrophic loss of life, adverse economic effects, and significant harm to public confidence. , Canadian businesses and international partners to prepare for, respond to, mitigate, and recover from cyber events. We do this by providing authoritative advice and support, and coordinating information sharing and incident response. The Cyber Centre is outward-facing, welcoming partnerships that help build a stronger, more resilient cyber space in Canada.