According to Microsoft, unprotected servers can spread viruses and malware over the network without the user’s interaction.
Microsoft is warning users to update their Windows 10 operating system immediately to protect themselves from critical vulnerabilities.
According to the company, unprotected servers can spontaneously spread viruses and malware over the network, meaning without the user’s intention. Windows 10 devices having automatic update feature enabled are already secure, the company said.
The affected versions of Windows are Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, etc. However, systems running on Windows XP are not vulnerable. Full list of vulnerable versions is available below:
| Products |
| Windows 10 Version 1703 for 32-bit Systems |
| Windows 10 Version 1703 for x64-based Systems |
| Windows 10 Version 1803 for 32-bit Systems |
| Windows 10 Version 1803 for x64-based Systems |
| Windows Server, version 1803 (Server Core Installation) |
| Windows 10 Version 1803 for ARM64-based Systems |
| Windows 10 Version 1809 for 32-bit Systems |
| Windows 10 Version 1809 for x64-based Systems |
| Windows 10 Version 1809 for ARM64-based Systems |
| Windows Server 2019 |
| Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation) |
| Windows 10 Version 1709 for 32-bit Systems |
| Windows 10 Version 1709 for 64-based Systems |
| Windows 10 Version 1709 for ARM64-based Systems |
| Windows 10 Version 1903 for 32-bit Systems |
| Windows 10 Version 1903 for x64-based Systems |
| Windows 10 Version 1903 for ARM64-based Systems |
| Windows Server, version 1903 (Server Core installation) |
| Windows 10 for 32-bit Systems |
| Windows 10 for x64-based Systems |
| Windows 10 Version 1607 for 32-bit Systems |
| Windows 10 Version 1607 for x64-based Systems |
| Windows Server 2016 |
| Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation) |
| Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 |
| Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 |
| Windows 8.1 for 32-bit systems |
| Windows 8.1 for x64-based systems |
| Windows RT 8.1 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-Based Systems Service Pack 1 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation) |
| Windows Server 2012 |
| Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation) |
| Windows Server 2012 R2 |
| Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation) |
Windows 10 is the world’s most popular desktop operating system. Currently, it is being installed on approximately 800 million devices which means millions of devices are at risk.
According to Director of Incident Response at Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) Simon Pope, there is no indication that third parties were aware of these vulnerabilities but “it is important that affected systems are patched as quickly as possible because of the elevated risks associated with wormable vulnerabilities like these,” said Simon.
The update package is available from the Microsoft website.
Furthermore, Windows 10 users should install reliable antivirus, scan your device regularly and also use trustworthy VPN to protect your online privacy.
