September Patch Tuesday 2025: SMBs Urgent Security Needs

September Patch Tuesday 2025: What SMBs Must Do This Week

Stay ahead of threats with Microsoft security updates & DDS compliance solutions.

1. 81 Fixes, 2 Zero‑Days: Do You Know Your Exposure?

This September’s Patch Tuesday delivered a formidable package: 81 fixes across the Microsoft ecosystem, including two actively exploited zero-days. Among the critical flaws are Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerabilities capable of allowing attackers to run arbitrary code, and Elevation of Privilege (EoP) issues that grant bad actors administrative-level access once they’ve infiltrated a system.

Particularly noteworthy are weaknesses in the SMB client, where attackers can leverage unauthenticated access to spread rapidly across a network. The notorious NTLM authentication protocol has also come under fire again, reaffirming its status as a perennial weak link. Perhaps most unsettling is the resurfacing of the Office “Preview Pane” vulnerability, where merely viewing a malicious email could spark compromise.

2. Remote Code Execution & EoP: The Silent Business Killers

Attackers exploiting RCE can run arbitrary code from afar; EoP bugs let them escalate to admin status once inside. For small and mid‑sized businesses, that means one weak email, one unpatched server, and suddenly your domain controller is compromised.

3. Attack Vectors SMBs Must Lock Down Now

Weaknesses in SMB client, dangers around NTLM protocol, and the Office “Preview Pane” vulnerability—all open doors to lateral movement, phishing compromises, or full data breach. If your employees preview an email, or if your VPN, web server, or domain controller aren’t fully patched, the risk is real.

4. Your 72‑Hour Prioritized Action Plan

What to patch first: internet‑facing servers, domain controllers, remote desktop hosts, high‑risk endpoints. Don’t wait on less critical systems—but don’t neglect verification and rollback planning either, to avoid patch‑induced downtime.

5. Hardening Beyond Patches: Build Your Lasting Defenses

Staging tips include rollback checkpoints
Disable outdated protocols, enforce MFA, tighten macros and preview pane policies, secure SMB sessions. These aren’t optional extras—they can make the difference between a recovered incident and a catastrophic one for businesses with lean IT teams.

Digital Docs Inc Cybersecurity & DDS Managed Services — Your Security Partner

Many SMBs lack the time, staff, or process discipline to stay ahead. With DDS IT support, DDS patch management, and DDS compliance solutions, you get:

  • Recurring patch cycles handled by experts, no stress on your internal team.
  • After‑hours maintenance windows so updates don’t disrupt business.
  • Deep compliance reporting so you pass audits and regulatory checks with confidence.
  • Real‑time monitoring to catch active exploits of zero‑days, RCE or EoP even before you know about them.

Act Now Before It’s Too Late!

Every moment you delay applying Microsoft security updates or securing remote code execution vulnerabilities is a chance for attackers to breach. With DDS Managed Services and IT support on your side, patching chaos becomes a repeatable, reliable fortress.

Get DDS Patch Management Help Today

Written By a DDS Staff