In a recent update, Microsoft has clarified the status of Windows Server 2022, which, unlike its consumer counterpart, does not receive optional non-security updates. The operating system typically adheres to a monthly update schedule, aligned with the Patch Tuesday routine. On July 9, Windows Server 2022 was updated with KB5040437, identified under build number 20348.2582. However, this update has introduced a notable bug affecting Remote Desktop capabilities.
Details of the Remote Desktop Bug
Microsoft has amended the official documentation for KB5040437 to address intermittent issues encountered by organizations utilizing the legacy protocol in Remote Desktop Gateway (Remote Procedure Call over HTTP). This bug results in dropped connections, necessitating users to reconnect to their servers.
Fortunately, while Microsoft is actively working on a resolution, IT administrators have a couple of workarounds at their disposal. They can monitor the issues by identifying terminations of the TSGateway service accompanied by the exception code 0xc0000005. To mitigate the impact of the problem, two options are available:
- Disallow connections over pipe and port pipeRpcProxy3388 through the Remote Desktop Gateway. This approach necessitates the use of connection applications, such as firewall software. Administrators should refer to the documentation for their specific connection and firewall software for detailed instructions on how to disallow and port connections.
- Edit the registry of client devices by removing a key related to RDGClientTransport. To do this, open the Windows Registry Editor and navigate to the following registry location: HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftTerminal Server ClientRDGClientTransport. Locate the registry key titled ‘DWORD’ and set the ‘Value Data’ field to ‘0x0’.
It is important to note that this issue is not isolated to Windows Server 2022; older versions, including Windows Server 2019, 2016, 2012, and 2012 R2, are also affected. Additionally, server editions are experiencing another recently reported bug that leads Windows systems to boot into BitLocker recovery following the installation of the July 2024 Patch Tuesday updates.
For further details regarding the confirmed issues associated with KB5040437, additional information can be found through WinFuture.
