Microsoft Warns of Critical Flaws in Windows and Office Products: What You Need to Know

CERT-In has issued a warning for Microsoft Windows and Office products due to critical security flaws. These flaws can allow attackers to steal data, run malicious code, or bypass system protections. The affected software includes Windows 11, Office, Dynamics, Azure cloud services, SQL Server, System Centre, Developer Tools, and more. Microsoft has released updates to fix the vulnerabilities, and users are urged to apply the updates without delay.

India's cybersecurity agency, CERT-In, has issued a high-risk alert for Microsoft users, warning of critical vulnerabilities across a wide range of products. The alert, released on July 2, 2025, highlights the urgent need for immediate action to mitigate potential security breaches [1].

The vulnerabilities affect numerous Microsoft products, including Windows, Office, Dynamics, Azure cloud services, SQL Server, System Center, Developer Tools, and even older systems under the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. These flaws could enable remote code execution, data theft, and system crashes, posing significant risks to individual users, small businesses, and large enterprises alike [1][2].

CERT-In has classified these flaws as "high risk" due to the potential for remote code execution, privilege escalation, and denial-of-service attacks. Such exploits can be triggered through seemingly innocuous actions like opening a malicious email attachment or visiting a compromised website [1].

Microsoft has released security patches as part of its July 2025 update cycle to address these vulnerabilities. Users are urged to apply these patches immediately to prevent potential exploitation. Additionally, users are advised to monitor their systems for unusual activity and keep all software up to date moving forward [1][2].

The alert serves as a reminder that even widely used and trusted platforms can have security weaknesses. In today's connected world, a delay in applying updates could open the door to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and widespread disruption. Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT department's concern; it is everyone's responsibility [1].

References:

[1] https://content.techgig.com/technology/critical-security-flaws-in-microsoft-products-immediate-action-required/articleshow/122499294.cms
[2] https://www.digit.in/news/general/microsoft-users-beware-govt-issues-high-risk-alerts-over-critical-security-flaws-in-windows-office-and-more.html