Microsoft security advisory – March 2021 monthly rollup

Number: AV21-117
Date: 10 March 2021

On 9 March 2021 Microsoft published Security Updates to address vulnerabilities in multiple products. Included were critical updates for the following:

•  Windows 10, 8.1 and 7
•  Windows Server and Server Core
•  Visual Studio
•  Azure Sphere
•  Internet Explorer 9 and 11

Within the March release notes was mention of security updates for the following versions of Microsoft Exchange:

•  Exchange 2010
•  Exchange 2013
•  Exchange 2016
•  Exchange 2019

As previously reported the Cyber Centre has learned that these vulnerabilities are being actively exploited. The Cyber Centre strongly recommends organizations follow the advice and guidance provided by AL20-003 UPDATE 2 - Active Exploitation of Microsoft Exchange Vulnerabilities.

https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en/alerts/active-exploitation-microsoft-exchange-vulnerabilities

The Cyber Centre encourages users and administrators to review the provided web links and apply the necessary updates.

March 2021 Release Notes
https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/releaseNote/2021-Mar

Security Update Guide
https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-us/security-guidance

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.