Microsoft Security Update Guide: Critical Vulnerabilities Patched in June 2024

Microsoft's June 2024 Security Update Guide reveals a substantial patch release addressing 51 distinct vulnerabilities across its product ecosystem. This monthly cycle includes two critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without user interaction. The updates span Windows, Microsoft Office, SharePoint Server, and other enterprise products.

Critical Vulnerabilities Requiring Immediate Attention

Two vulnerabilities stand out due to their severity and potential impact:

CVE-2024-30078: Windows Remote Desktop Protocol RCE

This critical RCE vulnerability (CVSS 9.8) affects all supported versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11. The flaw exists within the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) service and could be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker sending specially crafted packets to a vulnerable system. Microsoft has rated this as "Exploitation More Likely" in their assessment.

Affected Versions:

• Windows 10 (all versions)
• Windows 11 (all versions)
• Windows Server 2019, 2022

Mitigation: Apply the June 2024 security update immediately. If patching is not immediately possible, consider disabling RDP or implementing network segmentation to restrict RDP access to trusted networks only.

CVE-2024-30079: SharePoint Server RCE

This critical vulnerability (CVSS 8.8) affects SharePoint Server 2019 and SharePoint Server Subscription Edition. The flaw allows an authenticated attacker with Site Owner permissions to execute code remotely on the SharePoint server. While requiring authentication, this vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where SharePoint permissions are often broadly granted.

Affected Products:

• Microsoft SharePoint Server 2019
• Microsoft SharePoint Server Subscription Edition

Mitigation: Apply the June 2024 security update. Review SharePoint permissions and implement the principle of least privilege to limit the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities.

Additional High-Severity Vulnerabilities

The June update addresses several other high-severity issues:

CVE-2024-30080: Microsoft Office RCE (CVSS 8.8)

Affects Microsoft Office 2016, 2019, and Office LTSC 2021. This vulnerability could be exploited through malicious documents. Microsoft recommends enabling Protected View and disabling macros by default.

CVE-2024-30081: Windows Win32k Elevation of Privilege (CVSS 7.8)

Affects Windows 10 and 11. This vulnerability could allow an attacker with low privileges to gain SYSTEM-level access. While not a remote code execution flaw, it significantly increases the attack surface when combined with other vulnerabilities.

Patch Deployment Timeline and Prioritization

Microsoft released these updates on June 11, 2024. Organizations should follow this prioritization framework:

1. Immediate (Within 24 hours): Apply updates to internet-facing systems running Windows Server, SharePoint Server, and systems with RDP enabled.

2. High Priority (Within 72 hours): Update all Windows 10/11 workstations and internal servers. Pay special attention to systems running Microsoft Office with macro-enabled documents.

3. Standard Priority (Within 7 days): Apply updates to all remaining systems, including test and development environments.

Testing and Validation

Before deploying to production:

1. Test updates in a staging environment that mirrors your production configuration
2. Verify application compatibility, particularly for SharePoint customizations and Office macros
3. Monitor system logs for any anomalies post-update
4. Validate that critical business applications function correctly

Additional Security Considerations

Network Segmentation

For organizations that cannot immediately patch all systems:

• Implement network segmentation to isolate critical systems
• Restrict RDP access to VPN-only or jump server configurations
• Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized executables

Monitoring and Detection

Deploy enhanced monitoring for:

• Unusual RDP connection attempts
• SharePoint permission changes
• Office document execution patterns
• Windows Event Logs for exploitation attempts

Resources and References

For detailed technical information and deployment guidance:

• Microsoft Security Update Guide - June 2024
• CVE-2024-30078 Detail
• CVE-2024-30079 Detail
• Microsoft Security Response Center Blog
• Windows Update Deployment Best Practices

Conclusion

The June 2024 security update addresses significant vulnerabilities that could lead to system compromise if left unpatched. Organizations should treat the two critical RCE vulnerabilities as urgent priorities. The SharePoint Server vulnerability is particularly concerning given its potential impact on enterprise collaboration platforms.

Regular security updates remain one of the most effective defenses against known vulnerabilities. Organizations should establish or reinforce their patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all Microsoft products.

For organizations requiring additional time for testing, consider implementing the mitigation strategies outlined above while planning patch deployment. The Microsoft Security Response Center provides ongoing updates and guidance through their official communications channels.