Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity: Microsoft February zero-days and Black Basta BYOVD

Patch Microsoft systems now: six zero-days affecting Windows, Word, and other products were fixed; reports indicate active exploitation. Monitor for ransomware using BYOVD, including Black Basta embedding a driver within its payload. Prioritize rapid patching,

Microsoft’s February updates fixed six zero-days across Windows, Word, and other products; reports indicate active exploitation and a total of 58 vulnerabilities addressed. Separately, Black Basta ransomware is reported to embed a BYOVD defense-evasion component within its payload. No ICS/OT-specific targeting is cited

What’s new

Microsoft patched six zero-days targeting Windows, Word, and other products [2].
A Mastodon summary reports 58 total Microsoft vulnerabilities fixed this month, including six actively exploited zero-days; some were publicly disclosed prior to patch release (degree and details unconfirmed) [1].
Black Basta ransomware actors are reported to embed a BYOVD (bring-your-own-vulnerable-driver) defense-evasion component within the ransomware payload itself (independent verification required) [3].

Operational risk (as supported by sources)

Elevated risk window from actively exploited Microsoft zero-days until patches are fully deployed [1][2].
Ransomware defense-evasion via BYOVD can degrade endpoint protections during intrusion and encryption phases [3].
The sources do not specify ICS/OT platform targeting or impacts.

Actions now

Expedite deployment of Microsoft’s February updates across Windows and Office estates; confirm coverage against the six zero-days noted by ITPro [2] and the broader set reported on Mastodon [1].
Monitor for ransomware activity that includes embedded driver components consistent with BYOVD techniques (as reported for Black Basta) [3].
Retrieve the full ITPro write-up and Microsoft advisories for CVE IDs, affected versions, and exploitation details to refine patch prioritization [2].

Intelligence gaps

CVE identifiers, affected versions, and exploitation telemetry for the six zero-days are not included in the provided sources [2].
The extent of active exploitation and which vulnerabilities were publicly disclosed pre-patch remain partially unconfirmed due to truncated reporting [1].
Technical specifics of Black Basta’s embedded BYOVD component (driver identity, load mechanism, IOCs) require the underlying analysis referenced in the Mastodon post [3].

PushMe Intelligence

Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity: Microsoft February zero-days and Black Basta BYOVD

Sources