Microsoft Admits Serious New Windows Vulnerability

Associated Press ^ | 10 September 2003 | Ted Bridis

[Hal1950]

WASHINGTON (AP) - Just moments before a top Microsoft executive told Congress about efforts to improve security, the company warned customers Wednesday of serious new flaws that leave its flagship Windows software vulnerable to Internet attacks remarkably similar to the Blaster virus that infected hundreds of millions of computers last month.

Microsoft urged customers to immediately apply a free repairing patch from its Web site, www.microsoft.com.

It cautioned that hackers could seize complete control over a victim's computer by attacking these flaws, which affects Windows technology that allows computers to communicate with others across a network.

Outside experts said the new flaws were nearly identical to problems that were exploited by the so-called Blaster infection, which spread last month with devastating damage. Computer users who applied an earlier patch in July to protect themselves still must install the new patch from Microsoft.

"They're as close as you can be without being the same," said Marc Maiffret, an executive at eEye Digital Security Inc. of Aliso Viejo, Calif., one of three research groups credited with discovering the new problems. "It's definitely a big oversight on Microsoft's part that they missed these."

The embarrassing disclosure by Microsoft came just moments before its senior security strategist, Phil Reitinger, told lawmakers on the House Government Reform technology subcommittee about the company's efforts to help consumers defend themselves against viruses and other Internet attacks.

"Microsoft is committed to continuing to strengthen our software to make it less vulnerable to attack," said Reitinger, a former deputy chief in the Justice Department's cybercrime division. Still, he acknowledged, "There is no such thing as completely secure software."

The July announcement from Microsoft about the earlier software flaw in the same Windows technology was deemed so serious it prompted separate warnings from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security. Roughly three weeks later, unidentified hackers unleashed the earliest version of the Blaster infection.

[Mr. K]

I still love Microsoft and all its [roduicts

[Chad Fairbanks]

The July announcement from Microsoft about the earlier software flaw in the same Windows technology was deemed so serious it prompted separate warnings from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security. Roughly three weeks later, unidentified hackers unleashed the earliest version of the Blaster infection.

Well, Gee... wonder how those people learned about the flaw so they could exploit it... Hmmm...

[Eala]

Not again... I just got all my work machines brought up to date yeserday... *\:-(

[rdb3]

The Penguin Ping.

Wanna be Penguified? Just holla!

Got root?

[Fitzcarraldo]

The CoolWebSearch Chronicles

[=Intervention=]

*LOL and just shaking head*

[SengirV]

Well, Gee... wonder how those people learned about the flaw so they could exploit it... Hmmm...

Soooooo everyone should just shut up and all the problems will go away? What color is the sky on your planet?

[dighton]

If Gates had $10 for each MS security flaw, he'd be the richest man in the world.

;-)

[DeFault User]

Maybe Micro$oft needs a new logo:

[BullDog108]

Unbelievable! I had just visited the Windows Update site this morning and determained that I was up to date. Then I see this post, and revisit the site and I am out of date! Am installing the patch now.

[Revolting cat!]

Dude, they're being sneaky and putting these bugs in on purpose, I tell ya! No publicity is bad publicity, said, who? Fatty Arbuckle? The more Microsoft is in the news, the Redmond calculation goes, the more products it sells!

[Richard Kimball]

I'm going to add this to my list of generic headlines, it will go right after Pope denounces violence and Israelis and Palestinians sign historic peace accord.

[jae471]

Bad choice. When was the last time someone attacked Switzerland?

[CheneyChick]

Dang. I keep tellin' ya'll: Get a Mac.......

Cheers. CC :)

[scab4faa]

I like Windows.. But this is getting rediculous... My lord it took my hours to update my pc last time.. /sigh

[TomServo]

Windows technology was deemed so serious it prompted separate warnings from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security.

And this is the same Gov't that refuses to close the holes on our borders. The absolute gaul of it all.

[DeFault User]

Think "holes".

[saint]

If Gates had $10 for each MS security flaw...

What do you mean 'if'?

[Michael Barnes]