Microsoft is warning Windows users about an unpatched critical flaw in the Windows Print Spooler service. The vulnerability, dubbed PrintNightmare, was uncovered earlier this week after security researchers accidentally published a proof-of-concept exploit. While Microsoft hasn’t rated the vulnerability, it allows attackers to remotely execute code with system-level privileges, which is as critical and problematic as you can get in Windows.
Microsoft has now started rolling out out-of-band Windows updates to remedy a PrintNightmare security bug affecting all supported versions of Windows 10.
Windows 10 KB5004945 emergency update is rolling out to address this vulnerability for those on version 2004 (April 2020 Update) or newer.
Windows 10 KB5004945 emergency update is rolling out to address this vulnerability for those on version 2004 (April 2020 Update) or newer.
For those using Windows 10 version 1909 (November 2019 Update), they’ll be getting KB5004946.
For Windows 10 version 1809 (November 2018 Update), there’s a different patch – KB5004947.
To fix PrintNightmare vulnerability, follow these steps:
- Open Windows Settings > Updates & Security > Windows Update.
- Click on “Check for updates“.
- A new July patch will automatically start downloading on your device.
- Click on “Restart now” after the patch is downloaded.