Microsoft Patch Tuesday, August 2013, brings eight new updates to Windows

MS Windows Update Tuesday

Today is Patch Tuesday, August 2013, and Microsoft is releasing eight new updates to deal with remote code execution, denial of service, elevation of privilege, and information disclosure in Windows 8, Windows RT, Server, and previous version of the operating system. This new batch contains three updates label as Critical and the other four as Important.

Of the eight updates, Windows 8 will get four, three of them are labeled as Important to fix remote code execution and denial of service issues. And the fourth is marked as Critical and is target to patch Internet Explorer 10. Windows RT in the other hand will get three of the updates and it also receives the IE10 critical patch.

Like always, Microsoft isn’t releasing any more specific information until the company officially rolls out the updates to everyone.

We might also see a new firmware update for Surface RT. Microsoft often releases a new firmware with each Patch Tuesday, but last month this didn’t happen. So, the new firmware update is behind schedule and some issues need to be fixed.

The updates for Windows for August 2013 will be available today, you can either install them manually or you can leave the operating system to download them automatically.

Update: Microsoft pushes new firmware update for Surface RT and Pro models:

  • The Surface RT update contains improvements that optimizes the audio experience at low volumes and removes a perceived pulsing in audio volume for some content. Also the firmware updates system drivers that enhances stability and reliability.
  • The Surface Pro update reduces power consumption, improves touch latency with the touchpad while using the cover, and enhances system stability and reliability.

Windows 8.1 Preview seems to also be getting a new batch of updates. I just check and there is a total of four new updates:

  • Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 11 for Windows 8.1 Preview (KB2862772)
  • Update for Internet Explorer Flash Player for Windows 8.1 Preview (KB2871676) — This update resolves Flash video quickly lightens and darkens during playback. This causes a flickering effect.
  • Update for Windows 8.1 Preview (KB2875111) — This update fixes for adaptive streaming and Digital Rights Management (DRM) playback features for Internet Explorer 11 Preview in the OS.
  • Update for Windows 8.1 Preview (KB2875636) — Fixes for adaptive streaming and DRM playback features in the operating system.

Update: Here is the list with all the official Patch Tuesday rollouts:

Note: The first three are labeled as Critical and the following five are labeled as Important. For full details on each update visit Microsoft Security Bulletins center. (Just scroll down until you see the bulletins’ table, all updates released today are dated 8/13/2013. If you can’t see them do date search.)
  • Vulnerability in Unicode Scripts Processor Could Allow Remote Code Execution (KB2850869)
  • Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (KB2862772)
  • Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server Could Allow Remote Code Execution (KB2876063)
  • Vulnerability in Remote Procedure Call Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (KB2849470)
  • Vulnerabilities in Windows Kernel Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (KB2859537)
  • Vulnerability in Windows NAT Driver Could Allow Denial of Service (KB2849568)
  • Vulnerability in ICMPv6 could allow Denial of Service (KB2868623)
  • Vulnerability in Active Directory Federation Services Could Allow Information Disclosure (KB2873872)

Source TechNet

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.