Problems with Microsoft March Updates

Microsoft: March updates can paralyze Windows Server

Microsoft has confirmed that the March security updates can paralyze Windows servers with Active Directories.

If you operate a Windows server and manage an Active Directory with it, you may have a problem after applying the updates from Microsoft's March Patchday. The server may stop and restart.

In the release health notes for Windows Server, Microsoft's developers write that after installing the March security update KB5035857, the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) may have memory leaks on domain controllers (DCs). This can be observed if on-premise or cloud-based Active Directory domain controllers send Kerberos authentication requests.

Windows Server: Crashes after "extreme memory leaks"

Memory leaks often lead to performance losses. The developers explain that the LSASS service can crash after "extreme memory leaks", which triggers an unplanned restart of the underlying domain controller. Microsoft emphasizes that this does not occur on home devices, but only in environments in organizations that use the Windows Server platform.

The good news

The programmers have reportedly tracked down the root of the problem and are working on a solution that will be released in the coming days.

The systems specifically affected are Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022, both in the local network and in the cloud.

Microsoft already had problems with the Windows updates on Patchday in January. They could not be installed with the message of an error code, 0x80070643. The company then provided tips on how to apply the update successfully after all.

Found on https://www.heise.de/news/Microsoft-Maerz-Updates-koennen-Windows-Server-lahmlegen-9661470.html