Security news26 September 2006
Microsoft breaks monthly patch cycle to release VML exploit fix Critical day zero vulnerability patched by Microsoft
Microsoft has released a patch for the critical vulnerability in its software
Experts at SophosLabs™, Sophos's global network of virus, spyware and spam analysis centers, have urged companies to apply a Microsoft security patch which reportedly fixes a critical vulnerability in the way Internet Explorer handles Vector Markup Language (VML). Microsoft has released a fix a week after it was discovered that hackers were using the exploit to install malicious code onto innocent users' computers.
Microsoft has broken its regular monthly patch release cycle to publish a fix for the vulnerability ahead of schedule.
Sophos researchers have seen a number of different pieces of malware being distributed via the flaw, including Troj/Dloadr-ANO, Troj/Goldun-EC, and Troj/Goldun-EE.
"Microsoft's developers were smarting after it was discovered that hackers were actively exploiting a vulnerability for which they had no fix, so it's good news for all Windows users that a patch is now available," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. "Computer users should ensure their PCs are protected with this patch at the earliest possible opportunity."
Home users of Microsoft Windows can visit update.microsoft.com to have their systems scanned for critical Microsoft security vulnerabilities.
Sophos suggests 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 that companies protect their computers with a consolidated solution to thwart the virus, spyware and spam threats and secure their desktops and servers with automatically updated anti-virus protection, the latest security patches, and properly configured firewalls.
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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.
