Microsoft prepares Windows 10 and 11 for new Intel microcode against Specter

In a security update, Microsoft notifies users with an Intel system that a new microcode is available for Windows 10 and 11 that should enable systems against various Specter vulnerabilities. For now, however, Microsoft cannot perform updates to the code itself and cites a support page from Intel.

For now, update KB4093836 is a reference to Intel’s microcode revision that should have expired, but Microsoft writes: “We will release more Intel-validated microcode updates for Windows as they become available to Microsoft. For now, customers should refer to the information provided. by Intel and system manufacturers for availability.” Soon security updates will also be released via Windows Updates.

Microcode is the interface between Intel processor code and the actual scripting language, and has been a breeding ground for serious security vulnerabilities several times recently. Among other things, four different variants of the Specter vulnerability were discovered, which managed to exploit certain parts of Intel’s microcode to gain access to protected data.

Sources: Microsoft, via WinFuture

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