Microsoft Faces Record-Breaking Vulnerabilities in 2024

A startling new report from BeyondTrust reveals that Microsoft is grappling with an unprecedented 1,360 vulnerabilities in 2024—a staggering 11% increase over the previous record set in 2022.

Cybercriminals Target Major Weaknesses

Despite Microsoft's relentless efforts to shore up security, attackers are proving relentless, particularly exploiting critical flaws tied to Elevation of Privilege and Remote Code Execution. These vulnerabilities have become prime targets for hackers seeking to infiltrate systems.

Key Findings Unveiled in the Annual Report

The 2025 report provides an in-depth analysis of data sourced from Microsoft's own security bulletins, offering vital insights into vulnerability trends. This information is crucial for organizations aiming to pinpoint and mitigate risks within their Microsoft environments.

The Vulnerability Breakdown: Alarming Stats

Among the most concerning findings, Elevation of Privilege vulnerabilities account for a whopping 40% of all reported issues. Additionally, Security Feature Bypass vulnerabilities have skyrocketed by 60%, jumping from 56 in 2023 to 90 in 2024, underscoring the urgent need for robust software design practices.

Edge and Windows Under Fire!

While overall critical vulnerabilities are on the downtrend, Microsoft Edge vulnerabilities surged by 17%, totaling 292 cases—nine of which are classified as critical, a massive leap from none in 2022. Windows also faced its share of troubles, reporting 587 vulnerabilities, including 33 critical ones.

Microsoft Office's Vulnerabilities Nearly Double

The number of vulnerabilities related to Microsoft Office has nearly doubled, reaching 62. While this spike raises eyebrows, the overarching trend indicates that vulnerability numbers may finally be stabilizing, thanks to improved security measures.

A Complex Landscape of New Threats

The intricate web of modern technology, including cloud and AI services, poses a labyrinth of new attack surfaces. The findings suggest that unpatched systems continue to be low-hanging fruit for cybercriminals, indicating that fresh vulnerabilities may emerge as attackers devise novel strategies to evade defenses.

The Need for a Multilayered Defense

Relying solely on patches is proving inadequate, as they sometimes compromise system stability. A layered defense approach is becoming essential. Modern threat actors are increasingly focused on targeting identities and privileges rather than conventional exploits.

Expert Insights on the Evolving Threat Landscape

James Maude, Field Chief Technology Officer at BeyondTrust, stresses, "This year's data is a stark reminder that the threat landscape is not slowing down—it's evolving rapidly. The ongoing prevalence of Elevation of Privilege vulnerabilities highlights their high value to attackers. Organizations must prioritize securing identity pathways to lower their attack surfaces effectively."

A Crucial Resource for Organizations

The BeyondTrust report serves as an invaluable tool for organizations aiming to navigate the complex Microsoft vulnerability arena, helping them to develop effective patching strategies and bolster identity security against modern threats.