14 DAY TRIAL // As is the case every month, Microsoft has made available for download the December 2010 Security Release ISO Image containing all the patches released for Windows operating systems this month. The most recent DVD5 ISO image brings to the table no less than 12 security bulletins impacting Windows out of the total of 17 patch packages offered on December 14th, 2010.
The December 2010 Security Release ISO Image can be grabbed via the Microsoft Download Center, but IT professionals might want to plan ahead given that the download is over 3.3 GB.
“As part of Microsoft’s commitment to create a safer, more trusted Internet, [the company] released 17 security bulletins,” revealed Jerry Bryant, group manager, response communications, Microsoft.
“This month’s package addresses 40 vulnerabilities affecting Microsoft Office, Windows, Internet Explorer, SharePoint Server and Exchange.
“This brings the total count for 2010 to 106 bulletins. Of note, only two of the bulletins are rated Critical, 14 are rated Important and one is Moderate.”
Among the security bulletins packaged into the December 2010 Security Release ISO Image, are included updates deemed a priority by Microsoft in terms of deployment.
In this regard, customers should attempt to deploy MS10-090 and MS10-091 as fast as possible as the patches are designed to resolve vulnerabilities which expose them to a high level of risk as far as attacks are concerned.
“MS10-090 This bulletin resolves seven issues -- five Critical, two Moderate -- affecting all supported versions of Internet Explorer, on both Windows clients and Windows servers. Among its other updates, it addresses a vulnerability previously described in Security Advisory 2458511.
“MS10-091 This bulletin is Critical and addresses three vulnerabilities in Windows' OpenType Font driver. All three issues were privately reported and we are not aware of any active attacks using them,” noted Angela Gunn, Senior Marketing Communications Manager.
December 2010 Security Release ISO Image is available for download here.