January 2026 Patch Tuesday Forecast: Microsoft and Apple Security Updates
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Quick Summary
In January 2026, Microsoft and Apple are expected to address various security issues through their Patch Tuesday updates. Microsoft reported problems with Message Queuing (MSMQ) and Azure Virtual Desktop, impacting Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. Apple issued updates for two zero-day vulnerabilities in WebKit, affecting iOS versions before iOS 26. These updates are crucial for maintaining security and preventing exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
The Securityish Brief
Microsoft’s December 2025 Patch Tuesday updates revealed several issues affecting users. Notably, the December security update caused Message Queuing (MSMQ) to fail, leading to inactive queues and IIS site errors. Microsoft responded with an out-of-band update, KB5074976, targeting Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2.
Another significant issue arose for Windows 11 users, where RemoteApp sessions failed to start on Azure Virtual Desktop, impacting many customers. Microsoft provided two workarounds: a registry key addition and a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) via group policy.
Additionally, there were ongoing problems with VPM network access in the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), isolating critical resources. As of now, Microsoft has not provided a solution for this issue.
On December 12, Apple released security updates addressing two zero-day vulnerabilities in WebKit, identified as CVE-2025-14174 and CVE-2025-43529. These vulnerabilities were reportedly exploited in sophisticated attacks against targeted individuals using iOS versions prior to iOS 26.
Looking ahead to January 2026, the upcoming Patch Tuesday is expected to include updates for Windows 10 ESU, Windows 11, and Server, although the number of CVEs may be lower due to holiday downtime. There may also be updates for SQL Server and the .NET framework.
Adobe is anticipated to release updates for a range of Creative Cloud apps, while Google and Mozilla are expected to provide security fixes for Chrome and Firefox, respectively. Users should ensure they have deployed the December updates from Apple to mitigate risks from the identified vulnerabilities.
Why This Matters for Your Security
The ongoing issues with Microsoft products highlight the importance of timely patch management. Users and organizations should be proactive in applying updates to avoid potential exploitation of vulnerabilities.
With the rise of sophisticated attacks targeting specific vulnerabilities, such as those seen with Apple’s WebKit issues, it is crucial for users to stay informed and ensure their systems are up-to-date. Regularly checking for updates and applying them promptly can significantly reduce security risks.
Key Takeaways
- Ensure all December 12 Apple updates are deployed to protect against WebKit vulnerabilities.
- Monitor for the January Patch Tuesday updates and apply them as soon as they are available.
- Review and implement the workarounds provided by Microsoft for known issues in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- Regularly check for updates from Adobe, Google, and Mozilla to maintain security across all applications.
- Stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities to adjust your security posture accordingly.
Key Terms & Concepts
- MSMQ: In this article, MSMQ refers to Microsoft’s Message Queuing service, which facilitates communication between applications.
- KIR: KIR stands for Known Issue Rollback, a method Microsoft uses to revert problematic updates.
- WebKit: WebKit is an open-source web browser engine used by Apple in its products, including iOS.
- CVE: CVE stands for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures, a system for identifying and cataloging security vulnerabilities.
Read the original article here: https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2026/01/09/january-2026-patch-tuesday-forecast/
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