All posts tagged Windows Server

November 2024 Microsoft Security Updates and DirectAccess

With the November 2024 security updates, Microsoft disclosed a vulnerability (CVE-2024-43639) in the Windows Server KDC Proxy service. This is a Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability with a max severity rating of Critical. If you still use Microsoft DirectAccess for remote access, you’ll want to pay close attention to this bulletin.

KDC Proxy and DirectAccess

When DirectAccess is installed and configured, the KDC Proxy Service is enabled automatically and by default. By design, DirectAccess servers are exposed to the Internet, which significantly increases the risk of this vulnerability. Organizations that have deployed DirectAccess are encouraged to update their systems immediately.

Workaround

There is no known workaround available at this time. Apply the latest security updates to mitigate this risk.

Additional Information

Windows KDC Proxy Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Microsoft DirectAccess Formally Deprecated

Leave a comment
by Richard M. Hicks on November 14, 2024  •  Permalink
Posted in Active Directory, authentication, CVE, DirectAccess, Enterprise, Infrastructure, KDC Proxy, Microsoft, Operational Support, Remote Access, Security, Security Update, Update, Vulnerability
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Richard M. Hicks on November 14, 2024

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2024/11/14/november-2024-microsoft-security-updates-and-directaccess/

Microsoft Ignite 2024

The Microsoft Ignite conference will be held November 19-22, 2024, at the McCormick Place Conference Center in Chicago, IL. Ignite is the premier Microsoft event of the year and will be packed with many announcements about new products and technologies. Ignite is also a fantastic learning event with experts worldwide in attendance.

Meet Up

I’m excited to announce that Microsoft has invited me to participate in the event as part of their Expert Meet-Up program. I will spend time at the Windows Server station in the Azure Infrastructure section of the Hub. Below are the days and times I’ll be available.

  • Tuesday, November 19 – 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM CST
  • Wednesday, November 20 – 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM CST
  • Thursday, November 21 – 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM CST

Let’s Connect

Be sure to drop by and say hello! We can chat about Windows Server and Azure Infrastructure. Of course, we can also discuss all the technologies I usually work with, including Entra Private Access, Always On VPN, Intune and Cloud PKI, and certificates in general. I will also attend many social gatherings during the week, so look for me at those as well.

I look forward to seeing you at the event!

Additional Information

Microsoft Ignite 2024

Leave a comment
by Richard M. Hicks on October 31, 2024  •  Permalink
Posted in Active Directory Certificate Services, AD CS, Always On VPN, AOVPN, authentication, Azure, certificates, cloud, Cloud PKI, Conference, Enterprise, enterprise mobility, Entra Private Access, Event, Global Secure Access, GSA, Infrastructure, Intune, Microsoft, Microsoft Entra Private Access, Microsoft Ignite, Microsoft Intune, Mobility, PKI, public cloud, public key infrastructure, VPN, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2025
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Richard M. Hicks on October 31, 2024

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2024/10/31/microsoft-ignite-2024/

Microsoft Deprecates Legacy VPN Protocols

It’s long overdue, but Microsoft has finally announced the formal deprecation of the Point-to-Point Tunnel Protocol (PPTP) and the Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) in Windows Server Routing and Remote Access (RRAS) Servers. Both protocols have long since been replaced with more secure alternatives such as the Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) and Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEV2). However, many organizations have RRAS servers configured using these legacy protocols to support ad-hoc, on-demand access for non-managed users and devices.

Deprecated Protocols

There are a few reasons why Microsoft has deprecated these legacy protocols. Consider the following.

PPTP

It’s been widely known for many years that PPTP is broken and terribly insecure. Using this VPN protocol today is tremendously risky.

L2TP

L2TP is still considered secure, for the most part. However, it has been replaced with IKEv2, which is more secure and efficient.

Future Support

Although Microsoft made the announcement recently, the protocols will still be included in Windows Server 2025 when released later this year. However, Microsoft may remove these protocols from future Windows Server releases.

Always On VPN

Those who have deployed Microsoft Always On VPN are likely already using modern, secure VPN protocols, so this deprecation announcement won’t impact them. Although PPTP and L2TP are technically supported with Always On VPN, they are not commonly configured.

Recommendations

Administrators using Windows Server RRAS for VPN access using PPTP are encouraged to migrate to another protocol immediately. Those continuing to use L2TP should consider migrating soon.

Additional Information

Always On VPN Protocol Recommendations for Windows Server RRAS

Leave a comment
by Richard M. Hicks on October 11, 2024  •  Permalink
Posted in administration, Always On VPN, AOVPN, Deployment, end of life, Enterprise, enterprise mobility, EOL, IKEv2, L2TP, Microsoft, Mobility, Operational Support, PPTP, Remote Access, routing, routing and remote access service, RRAS, Security, SSTP, TLS, VPN, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2025
Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Richard M. Hicks on October 11, 2024

https://directaccess.richardhicks.com/2024/10/11/microsoft-deprecates-legacy-vpn-protocols/

« Older Posts
Newer Posts »