💡Azure Update Manager - A Comprehensive Guide💡

 

01. Introduction

Azure Update Manager is a unified service designed to manage and govern updates for all your machines, whether they are in Azure, on-premises, or in other cloud environments connected via Azure Arc. It provides a centralized platform to monitor, deploy, and manage updates, ensuring your systems are secure and up-to-date.

02. What is Azure Update Manager?

Azure Update Manager, part of the Azure Automation suite, offers:

• Automated Update Deployment: Schedule updates for Windows and Linux servers.
• Unified Management: Manage updates across Azure, on-premises, and hybrid environments.
• Compliance Monitoring: Ensure all machines meet update compliance standards.
• Custom Scheduling: Configure maintenance windows to minimize disruption.

03. Key Features and Benefits

Here are some key benefits of using Azure Update Manager:

• Native Experience: Integrated as a native feature on Azure Compute and Azure Arc.
• No Dependency on Log Analytics and Azure Automation: Operates independently of these services.
• Azure Policy Support: Compatible with Azure Policy.
• Global Availability: Available in all Azure Compute and Azure Arc regions.
• Granular Access Control: Offers role-based access control at the individual resource level.
• Azure Resource Manager-Based Operations: Supports role-based access control and Azure Resource Manager roles.
• Increased Flexibility: Allows immediate or scheduled update deployments.
• Unified Management: Manage updates for Azure VMs, on-premises machines, and other cloud environments.
• Flexible Patching: Schedule updates or deploy them immediately.
• Compliance Monitoring: Track update compliance and generate custom reports.
• Patch Orchestration: Reduce downtime with intelligent patch sequencing.
• Hybrid Support: Manage both Azure and on-premises systems.
• Detailed Insights: Real-time update compliance reports.
• Customizable Maintenance: Configure maintenance windows tailored to business needs.

04. Prerequisites

Before using Azure Update Manager, ensure you have:

1. An Azure subscription.
2. Azure VMs or machines connected via Azure Arc.
3. Appropriate permissions (Azure Owner or Contributor role).

05. Pricing for Azure Update Manager

• Azure Virtual Machines and Azure Stack HCI VMs: Free of charge.
• Azure Arc-enabled Servers: $5 per server per month (prorated daily). Free under specific conditions if using Extended Security Updates (ESU) or Microsoft Defender for Servers Plan 2.

06. How Azure Update Manager Works

Monitoring and Compliance:

• Single Dashboard: Monitor update compliance across all machines.
• Compliance Status: View compliance status, including pending updates and installation history.

Update Deployment:

• Real-Time Updates: Deploy updates immediately to address critical vulnerabilities.
• Scheduled Updates: Schedule updates within defined maintenance windows.
• Automatic Updates: Enable automatic VM guest patching and hot patching for Azure VMs.

Configuration and Management:

• Dynamic Scoping: Group machines based on criteria (e.g., tags, resource groups) and apply updates at scale.
• Pre and Post Events: Configure scripts or automation tasks to run before and after updates.

Advanced Features:

• Azure Policy Integration: Enforce update compliance and schedule patching.
• Custom Reporting: Generate custom reports using Azure Workbooks.

Security and Access Control:

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Provide granular access control for patch management tasks.
• Secure Data Storage: All update data is stored in Azure Resource Graph (ARG).

07. Visual Overview

Here's a visual representation of the Azure Update Manager workflow:

08. Update Options in Azure Update Manager

• Automatic VM Guest Patching: Automatically downloads and applies critical and security patches to Azure VMs during off-peak hours.
• Hotpatching: Available for Windows Server Azure Edition VMs, allowing updates without requiring a reboot.
• Customer-Managed Schedules: Define custom maintenance schedules for both Azure and Arc-connected machines.
• Azure Managed - Safe Deployment: Azure orchestrates updates for a group of VMs, ensuring availability-first principles.
• Periodic Assessment: Runs every 24 hours to check for updates and ensure compliance.

09. Supported Operating Systems

Azure Update Manager supports updates for both Windows and Linux operating systems:

Windows:

• Windows Server 2012 R2
• Windows Server 2016
• Windows Server 2019
• Windows Server 2022

Linux:

• Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, 20.04 LTS
• CentOS 7 (Note: CentOS is reaching End of Life status)
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 7, 8
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 12, 15

Azure Arc-enabled Servers:

• Supports both Windows and Linux operating systems connected via Azure Arc.

Unsupported Workloads:

• Windows Client: Use Microsoft Intune for managing updates on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
• Virtual Machine Scale Sets: Use Automatic upgrades for patching.
• Azure Kubernetes Service Nodes: Follow the patching guidelines for AKS nodes.

10. Update Classifications in Microsoft Update Management

Microsoft Update Management categorizes updates into several classifications to help organize and manage them effectively. Here are the main classifications, along with definitions and examples for each:

Critical Updates:

• Definition: A widely released fix for a specific problem that addresses a critical, non-security-related bug.
• Example: An update that resolves a critical issue causing system crashes or data corruption.

Security Updates:

• Definition: A widely released fix for a product-specific, security-related vulnerability.
• Example: An update that patches a vulnerability in Windows that could allow remote code execution.

Update Rollups:

• Definition: A cumulative set of hotfixes, security updates, critical updates, and updates packaged together for easy deployment.
• Example: A rollup that includes all updates released for Windows Server in a given month.

Feature Packs:

• Definition: New product functionality that is first distributed outside of a product release and typically included in the next full product release.
• Example: A feature pack that adds new capabilities to Windows, such as enhanced security features or new management tools.

Service Packs:

• Definition: A tested, cumulative set of all hotfixes, security updates, critical updates, and updates applied to a product. Service packs may also contain additional fixes for problems found internally since the product's release.
• Example: Windows 7 Service Pack 1, which includes all previously released updates and additional improvements.

Definition Updates:

• Definition: A widely released and frequent software update that contains additions to a product's definition database.
• Example: Updates for Windows Defender that include new virus definitions to protect against the latest threats.

Tools:

• Definition: Utilities or features that help complete one or more tasks.
• Example: The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, which helps remove specific prevalent malware from Windows systems.

Updates:

• Definition: A widely released fix for a specific problem. An update addresses a non-critical, non-security-related issue.
• Example: An update that fixes a minor bug in Microsoft Office that causes occasional crashes when opening certain file types.

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💻 How to Fix Active Directory Trust Relationship Issues? 💻

Active Directory (AD) trust relationships are crucial for maintaining secure and efficient communication between different domains within a network. However, issues with these trust relationships can arise, leading to disruptions in access and authentication processes. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to identify and fix Active Directory trust relationship issues.

Understanding Active Directory Trust Relationships

Active Directory trust relationships allow domains to share resources and authenticate users across different domains. Trusts can be one-way or two-way, and they can be transitive or non-transitive. Common types of trusts include:

• Parent-Child Trusts: Automatically created when a new domain is added to a tree.
• Tree-Root Trusts: Automatically created between the roots of domain trees in a forest.
• External Trusts: Manually created between domains in different forests.
• Forest Trusts: Manually created between two forest root domains.
• Shortcut Trusts: Manually created to improve user logon times between two domains in a forest.

Common Causes of Trust Relationship Issues

1. Network Connectivity Problems: Issues with network connectivity can prevent domains from communicating effectively.
2. DNS Configuration Errors: Incorrect DNS settings can lead to trust relationship failures.
3. Time Synchronization Issues: Discrepancies in time settings between domains can cause authentication failures.
4. Corrupted Secure Channel: The secure channel used for trust relationships can become corrupted.
5. Changes in Domain Controllers: Replacing or demoting domain controllers without updating trust relationships can cause issues.

Steps to Fix Trust Relationship Issues

1. Verify Network Connectivity

• Ensure that all domain controllers can communicate with each other over the network.
• Use tools like ping and tracert to diagnose connectivity issues.

2. Check DNS Configuration

• Verify that DNS settings are correctly configured on all domain controllers.
• Ensure that all domains can resolve each other’s DNS names.
• Use nslookup to test DNS resolution.

3. Synchronize Time Settings

• Ensure that all domain controllers are synchronized with a reliable time source.
• Use the w32tm command to check and configure time settings.

4. Reset the Secure Channel

• Use the nltest command to reset the secure channel between domain controllers.

nltest /sc_reset:<TrustedDomainName>

• Alternatively, use the Test-ComputerSecureChannel PowerShell cmdlet to test and repair the secure channel.

Test-ComputerSecureChannel -Repair -Credential (Get-Credential)

5. Recreate the Trust Relationship

• If the trust relationship is still not working, consider deleting and recreating the trust.
• Use the Active Directory Domains and Trusts snap-in to delete and then recreate the trust.

6. Verify Trust Relationship

• Use the Active Directory Domains and Trusts snap-in to verify the trust relationship.
• Run the nltest command to test the trust relationship.

nltest /trusted_domains

Preventive Measures

• Regular Monitoring: Regularly monitor trust relationships and network connectivity to identify issues early.
• Backup and Documentation: Maintain backups and documentation of your AD environment, including trust relationships and DNS configurations.
• Update Procedures: Ensure that any changes to domain controllers or network configurations are documented and that trust relationships are updated accordingly.

Conclusion

Active Directory trust relationship issues can be challenging, but with the right approach, they can be resolved effectively. By understanding the common causes and following the steps outlined above, you can restore trust relationships and ensure smooth communication between domains. Regular monitoring and preventive measures can help avoid future issues, keeping your AD environment secure and efficient.

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⚡Microsoft's October 2024 Patch Tuesday: A Comprehensive Overview⚡

 

Introduction

Microsoft's October 2024 Patch Tuesday has addressed a total of 118 security vulnerabilities, including five zero-day vulnerabilities and three critical vulnerabilities. This month's updates span across various Microsoft products and services, enhancing security and stability for users worldwide. Below is a detailed breakdown of these vulnerabilities by type:

• Remote Code Execution (RCE) Vulnerabilities: 43
• Elevation of Privilege (EoP) Vulnerabilities: 28
• Denial of Service (DoS) Vulnerabilities: 26
• Spoofing Vulnerabilities: 7
• Security Feature Bypass (SFB) Vulnerabilities: 7
• Information Disclosure Vulnerabilities: 6

Key Highlights

01. Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

• CVE-2024-43572: A critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in the Microsoft Management Console (MMC). This flaw can be exploited by convincing a user to open a specially crafted malicious MSC file.
• CVE-2024-43573: An actively exploited spoofing vulnerability in the Windows MSHTML platform, part of the Trident engine used by Internet Explorer and older versions of Microsoft Edge.
• CVE-2024-20659: A UEFI security feature bypass vulnerability in Windows Hyper-V.
• CVE-2024-43583: An elevation of privilege vulnerability in Windows Winlogon, requiring a first-party Microsoft IME to be fixed.
• CVE-2024-6197: A remote code execution vulnerability in libcurl, fixed in Windows’ bundled version of the tool.

02. Critical Vulnerabilities

• All three critical vulnerabilities are remote code execution flaws. These could allow attackers to run arbitrary code on affected systems, posing significant security risks.

03. Important Vulnerabilities

• The majority of the vulnerabilities addressed are classified as important. These include elevation of privilege flaws, denial of service issues, spoofing vulnerabilities, and security feature bypass bugs.

Detailed Patch Information

• Windows 11, Version 24H2 (KB5044284): This update addresses several security issues and includes improvements from the previous update (KB5043178). Notable fixes include resolving issues with the Remote Desktop Gateway Service and improvements to the Windows servicing stack.
• Microsoft Office, Microsoft Edge, Visual Studio, Azure CLI, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: Various components received updates to address security vulnerabilities, ensuring a more secure environment for users.

Known Issues

• DirectAccess Connection Issues: After a fresh install or an in-place upgrade to Windows 11, version 24H2, users might face issues with DirectAccess connections.
• Roblox on ARM Devices: Players on ARM devices may experience difficulties downloading and playing Roblox via the Microsoft Store. A workaround is to download the game directly from the Roblox website.

Conclusion

The October 2024 Patch Tuesday updates are crucial for maintaining the security and stability of Microsoft products. Users are strongly encouraged to install these updates promptly to protect their systems from potential exploits and vulnerabilities. For detailed information on each vulnerability and the corresponding updates, users can refer to the official Microsoft Security Update Guide - Microsoft release notes.

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⚠️ Microsoft is Deprecating Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) ⚠️

 

On September 20, 2024, Microsoft officially announced the deprecation of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). This move is part of Microsoft's strategy to modernize Windows management with cloud-based solutions. Specifically, this means that Microsoft is no longer investing in new capabilities, nor accepting new feature requests for WSUS. However, current functionality will be preserved, and updates will continue to be published through the WSUS channel. Microsoft will also support any content already published through the WSUS channel. Here’s a detailed look at what this means and how you can prepare for the transition.

What is WSUS?

WSUS has been a vital tool for IT administrators, enabling them to manage the distribution of updates released through Microsoft Update to computers in a corporate environment. It provides control over updates, allowing administrators to approve or decline updates, select target computers, and generate detailed reports. Introduced in 2005 as Software Update Services (SUS), WSUS has been essential for managing and distributing updates across large corporate networks, ensuring secure and controlled updates for numerous Windows devices.

Why is WSUS Being Deprecated?

Microsoft is shifting towards cloud-based solutions to enhance update management. While WSUS will no longer receive new features, it will continue to function for existing updates. This move aligns with Microsoft’s vision for simplified, cloud-centric management tools. 

Deprecation refers to the stage in the product lifecycle when a feature or functionality is no longer in active development and may be removed in future releases. Each release of Windows Server adds new features and functionality; occasionally, features and functionality are removed, typically because a better option has been added. Deprecated features continue to work and are fully supported until they are officially removed. Microsoft has no current plans to remove WSUS from in-market versions of Windows Server, including Windows Server 2025.

Impact

The deprecation of WSUS will take effect with the release of Windows Server 2025. With this release, WSUS will not be actively developed or enhanced. Additionally, Microsoft plans to phase out the drive synchronization feature in WSUS on April 18, 2025. Organizations relying on WSUS should start planning their transition to alternative solutions.

Transitioning to Cloud-Based Tools

Microsoft suggests transitioning to the following cloud-based tools:

• Windows Autopatch: Automates updates for Windows clients and Microsoft 365 apps.
• Microsoft Intune: Offers comprehensive endpoint management, including update management.
• Azure Update Manager: Provides robust features for server update management.

These tools offer improved security, efficiency, and integration with other Microsoft services, making them suitable replacements for WSUS.

Conclusion

The deprecation of WSUS marks a significant shift towards cloud-based update management solutions. By transitioning to tools like Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, and Azure Update Manager, organizations can benefit from improved security, efficiency, and integration with other Microsoft services. Start planning your transition today to ensure a smooth and seamless update management experience.

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⚡Microsoft's September 2024 Patch Tuesday: A Comprehensive Overview⚡

Introduction

Microsoft's September 2024 Patch Tuesday has addressed a total of 79 security vulnerabilities, including four zero-day vulnerabilities and seven critical vulnerabilities. This month's updates span across various Microsoft products and services, enhancing security and stability for users worldwide. Below is a detailed breakdown of these vulnerabilities by type:

• Remote Code Execution (RCE): 12
• Elevation of Privilege (EoP): 35
• Denial of Service (DoS): 4
• Spoofing Vulnerabilities: 3
• Security Feature Bypass (SFB): 3
• Information Disclosure: 18
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): 1
• Other vulnerabilities: 3

Key Highlights

01. Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

• Mark-of-the-Web Bypass (CVE-2024-38217): Actively exploited, allowing crafted files to bypass SmartScreen or attachment services. This vulnerability highlights risks associated with file downloads.
• Windows Installer EoP (CVE-2024-38014): Exploited locally to grant SYSTEM privileges due to improper privilege management.
• Microsoft Publisher Macro Policy Bypass (CVE-2024-38226): Requires local user authentication to bypass macro restrictions, posing risks for organizations.
• SharePoint Critical RCEs (e.g., CVE-2024-38018): Exploits deserialization flaws to gain control via malicious uploads, emphasizing the need for secure configurations.

02. Critical RCE Vulnerabilities

• Affect key products like SharePoint and Windows Network Address Translation (NAT). The NAT vulnerability (CVE-2024-38119) involves a "use-after-free" flaw, requiring network adjacency for exploitation.

03. Product-Specific Updates

• Windows: Multiple privilege elevation and RCE patches for Windows 10, 11, and Server editions.
• Microsoft 365 Apps: Fixes for Excel, Publisher, and SharePoint vulnerabilities.
• Power Automate: An RCE vulnerability (CVE-2024-43479) addressed for secure automation workflows.

04. Zero-Day Defense Recommendations

• Regularly update software to prevent exploitation.
• Enable enhanced security features like SmartScreen and macro-blocking policies.
• Monitor for suspicious activity on systems running affected versions.

Conclusion

With 35 elevation-of-privilege vulnerabilities addressed and critical fixes for RCE vulnerabilities in widely-used tools like SharePoint, the September 2024 Patch Tuesday underlines Microsoft's commitment to securing its ecosystem. Organizations should prioritize deploying these patches to ensure compliance and maintain a robust security posture.

The complete list of the vulnerabilities can be found here - Microsoft release notes.

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📢 New Microsoft Certification Exam Pricing 📢

New Microsoft Certification Exam Pricing Effective November 1, 2024

Microsoft is updating its Certification exam pricing to reflect the value and evolving needs of the IT industry. These globally recognized certifications validate your skills and boost career opportunities.

Key points:

• Certification prices will change depending on the region—some will increase, some will decrease, and many will remain the same.
• For Sri Lanka:
• Fundamental certifications will be reduced from $55 to $44.
• Advanced role-based certifications will drop from $80 to $58.
• You can register for exams at the current price until October 31, 2024.
• Explore free and paid resources on Microsoft Learn to prepare.
• To find the updated price of the exams in your area, check out the full list via https://aka.ms/CertificationExamPrice

Earning a Microsoft Certification can elevate your career, improve work quality, and enhance your credibility. Don't miss out!

Official Link: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-learn-blog/new-pricing-for-microsoft-certification-exams-effective-november/ba-p/4120313

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