09 Nov 2005
Patch now! Microsoft issues fix for critical security vulnerability
|
| Microsoft has described the vulnerability as
critical. |
As part of its monthly patch distribution, Microsoft has issued
a critical security update for users of Windows XP, Windows 2000
Service Pack 4, and Windows Server 2003. The critical patch address
a remote code execution flaw which could be exploited by hackers to
break into vulnerable computers.
"This flaw in Microsoft's software is connected to the way it
renders WMF and EMF graphics. A malicious hacker could send an
email or direct users to a website which contained an image which
could then run code without the user's consent. It's critical that
businesses and home users protect against them as a matter of
priority," said Graham
Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. "In the past,
malicious attacks have followed soon after Microsoft's announcement
of problems with its software, so it's important that people take
action now to ensure their PCs are properly defended."
Home users of Microsoft Windows can visit windowsupdate.microsoft.com to have their systems
scanned for critical Microsoft security vulnerabilities.
Sophos recommends that every IT manager responsible for security
should consider subscribing to vulnerability mailing lists such as
that operated by Microsoft at www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/notify.mspx.
Sophos continues to recommend companies protect their desktops
and servers with automatically updated
anti-virus protection.
About Sophos
More than 100 million users in 150 countries rely on Sophos as the best protection against complex threats and data loss. Sophos is committed to providing security and data protection solutions that are simple to manage, deploy and use and that deliver the industry's lowest total cost of ownership. Sophos offers award-winning encryption, endpoint security, web, email, and network access control solutions backed by SophosLabs - a global network of threat intelligence centers. With more than two decades of experience, Sophos is regarded as a leader in security and data protection by top analyst firms and has received many industry awards.
Sophos is headquartered in Boston, US and Oxford, UK. More information is available at www.sophos.com.