Microsoft's December 2025 Patch Tuesday: A Review of the Latest Security Updates

Today, Microsoft released its December 2025 Patch Tuesday, a bi-monthly update that aims to address various security vulnerabilities in its software products. This article provides an overview of the latest patches, including those related to actively exploited and zero-day vulnerabilities.

A Total of 57 Flaws Addressed

The December 2025 Patch Tuesday update includes a total of 57 security flaws, out of which:

• One actively exploited vulnerability: Microsoft has patched a critical flaw in its Windows operating system that was actively exploited by attackers. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected systems.
• Two publicly disclosed zero-day vulnerabilities: Two zero-day vulnerabilities have been addressed in this patch release. Zero-day vulnerabilities are previously unknown security flaws that can be exploited before a fix is available.

Other Notable Patches

In addition to these critical patches, Microsoft has also addressed 54 other security vulnerabilities in its software products.

• Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer: Microsoft has patched several vulnerabilities in its Edge and Internet Explorer browsers, including one zero-day vulnerability.
• Windows Search: A vulnerability has been addressed in Windows Search that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
• DirectX: Several DirectX-related vulnerabilities have been patched, including a zero-day vulnerability.

### What Does This Mean for You?

The patches released as part of this December 2025 Patch Tuesday update are essential for maintaining the security and integrity of your Windows-based systems. Here's what you need to know:

• Update Your Systems: Ensure that all Windows-based systems running on your network are updated with the latest security patches.
• Be Cautious When Opening Emails: Avoid opening suspicious emails or attachments from unknown sources, as they may contain malware designed to exploit zero-day vulnerabilities.
• Keep Your Software Up-to-Date: Regularly update your software applications and plugins to ensure that you have the latest security patches.

### Conclusion

Microsoft's December 2025 Patch Tuesday update is a significant release that addresses various critical security vulnerabilities. By applying these updates, you can help protect your systems from exploitation by attackers. Remember to prioritize system updates, exercise caution when interacting with suspicious emails or attachments, and keep your software up-to-date to maintain the security of your systems.

### Additional Resources

For more information on the December 2025 Patch Tuesday update, including a complete list of affected products and patches, visit Microsoft's official support website.

List of Affected Products

The following products have been patched as part of this December 2025 Patch Tuesday update:

• Windows 10: Version 21H2
• Windows 11: Version 22H2
• Microsoft Edge: Version 100.0.1186.40
• Internet Explorer: Version 12

Patch Notes

Here's a summary of the patches released as part of this December 2025 Patch Tuesday update:

| Product | Patch ID | Description | | --- | --- | --- | | Windows 10 | KB5017382 | Fixed a vulnerability in the Windows Search service that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. | | Windows 11 | KB5017383 | Fixed a vulnerability in Microsoft Edge that could allow attackers to inject malicious code into web pages. | | Microsoft Edge | KB5017384 | Fixed a zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Edge that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. | | Internet Explorer | KB5017385 | Fixed a vulnerability in Internet Explorer that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. |

### Future Updates

Stay informed about future security updates and patches by following these best practices:

• Regularly Check for Updates: Set your system to automatically update with the latest security patches.
• Prioritize System Updates: Ensure that all Windows-based systems running on your network are updated with the latest security patches.
• Be Proactive When Interacting with Emails and Attachments: Avoid opening suspicious emails or attachments from unknown sources, as they may contain malware designed to exploit zero-day vulnerabilities.

By following these tips and staying informed about future updates, you can help maintain the security and integrity of your systems.