Microsoft Patch Tuesday - 63 CVEs, Kernel Zero-Day Exploited

Microsoft’s November Patch Tuesday addresses 63 CVEs, including an actively exploited Windows Kernel zero-day CVE-2025-62215 (CVSS 7.0) tied to a race condition enabling privilege escalation (T1068). The release also includes a critical RCE in Microsoft Graphics Component (CVE-2025-60724, CVSS 9.8) and several WinSock/AFD kernel-mode driver issues (CVE-2025-60719, CVE-2025-62213, CVE-2025-62217) flagged as more likely to be exploited. Researchers note zero-day exploitation reliability can increase when paired with a separate code-execution bug (T1203/T1059). Attack mechanics for CVE-2025-62215 involve racing multiple threads to confuse kernel memory management and double-free a block, allowing system-level escalation. While Microsoft calls attack complexity high, practitioners warn functional exploits exist. A low-privilege user running a crafted application can trigger the race; kernel-mode networking components expand risk across many Windows workloads. For enterprises, business risk is high given Windows ubiquity: escalation chains can enable lateral movement, credential theft, and ransomware staging. Compliance exposure (PCI-DSS, SOX) arises if critical systems remain unpatched. Although only one zero-day is confirmed exploited, the set of “more likely to be exploited” defects raises near-term threat levels. Mitigation: prioritize the kernel zero-day and Graphics RCE, followed by AFD/WinSock defects. Accelerate patch deployment via MDM/WSUS, enforce EDR prevention on suspicious kernel exploit patterns, and monitor for anomalous graphics processing crashes. Apply least-privilege hardening on workstations/servers to constrain initial access. Validate patch success and retest high-risk images.