Microsoft responds to AMD and Intel processor exploits, now rolling out emergency fix

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Published onJanuary 3, 2018

published onJanuary 3, 2018

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A few short hours ago, we noted that Microsoftwas planning on releasingan emergency Windows Update to address the ongoing security concerns with Intel and AMD processors. According to multiple media outlets,including Windows Central, said KB4056892 update (OS build 16299.192) is now rolling out to Windows 10 users (though we’re not seeing it just yet on any of our machines here at OnMSFT.)

As we previously noted, the security update is set to automatically roll out to all Windows 10 desktops today starting at 5 PM ET, and later to other Windows 7 and Windows 8 on January 16th via a Patch Tuesday update. We’re not finding this update on any of our machines just yet, butMicrosoft has released a changelog for itand also made it availablevia the Microsoft Update Catalog as a manual download.

Here’s a look at the changelog:

Importantly, this update carries a set of known issues and workarounds, relating to installation, and Antivirus software. Please see the known issues below. We invite you tocheck out Microsoft’s official changelogfor more step by step details on how to resolve these issues, especially because the workarounds are rather technical.

Noted by The Verge, Microsoft also issued a statement about the processor exploits. The company addressed how it is an industry-wide issue, and how it has worked with chip manufacturers to test mitigations:

We’re aware of this industry-wide issue and have been working closely with chip manufacturers to develop and test mitigations to protect our customers. We are in the process of deploying mitigations to cloud services and have also released security updates to protect Windows customers against vulnerabilities affecting supported hardware chips from Intel, ARM, and AMD. We have not received any information to indicate that these vulnerabilities had been used to attack our customers.

It’s really great to see Microsoft stepping up here and supporting their consumers and customers. This processor exploit is rather worrying for the average consumer, and true or not, it’s nice that Microsoft is here to assure customers that they’re not being attacked as a result of the vulnerabilities.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Radu Tyrsina

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Microsoft responds to AMD and Intel processor exploits, now rolling out emergency fix#

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Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

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Microsoft responds to AMD and Intel processor exploits, now rolling out emergency fix