A Dozen Patches Expected From Microsoft Next Week
Microsoft Corp. said today that it plans to release at least a dozen patch bundles next Tuesday to plug security vulnerabilities in its Windows operating systems and other software.
This patch batch could wind up breaking records for the most number of vulnerabilities fixed in one go by the company, as each patch can and often does address multiple security flaws. Microsoft said most of them will address "critical" flaws -- security holes so serious that they could be exploited by an attacker or computer worm to take complete control over the affected computer with little or any action on the part of the user.
The company said it plans to release at least three patches to fix security problems in its Microsoft Office productivity suites. Currently, there are more than a half dozen unpatched Office flaws for which exploit code is already available online, and most of those are already being exploited for targeted attacks.
Interestingly, Microsoft noted that one of the critical patch bundles will address security flaws in Windows Live OneCare, Microsoft Antigen, Microsoft Windows Defender, and Microsoft ForeFront -- Microsoft programs designed to defend Windows machines from spyware, viruses and worms.
As always, Security Fix will bring you the lowdown on these updates when Microsoft officially releases them on Tuesday.
By
Brian Krebs
|
February 8, 2007; 4:16 PM ET
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Posted by: Alex | February 8, 2007 5:40 PM | Report abuse
to clear things up for people an operating system is never done until the next one is released stay one operating system behind and you will have the finished product of windows xp shortly I will buy Windows Vista Ultimate close to when Microsoft releases their next big windows
Posted by: chris | February 8, 2007 9:31 PM | Report abuse
I am still using MS Word 9.0.XXX. Is it subject to these new patches? Help! I am 75 years old and don't have much skill.
Posted by: Neal | February 9, 2007 10:14 AM | Report abuse
I am still using MS Word 9.0.XXX. Is it subject to these new patches? Help! I am 75 years old and don't have much skill.
Posted by: Neal | February 9, 2007 10:15 AM | Report abuse
Neal -- Not sure what Word 9.0 is (maybe an older version of Word/Office 2000? If it's older than 2000, you won't be able to download updates for it. Anyway, head on over to Office Update and let it scan your computer for any needed patches (you may need to have your Office install CD handy).
Go to this link in IE to get Office updates:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/downloads/maincatalog.aspx
Posted by: Bk | February 9, 2007 10:20 AM | Report abuse
My microsoft one seems to be incompatible with VISTA. IF you turn on both firewalls, the internet will not function.
Posted by: jack -arlington VA | February 9, 2007 11:01 AM | Report abuse
Linux becomes more appealing everyday
Posted by: Thomas Addley | February 9, 2007 6:42 PM | Report abuse
Patching software is a simple fact of life just like oil changes and other maintenance to your car.
If you want to connect your computer to the Internet, you have to patch it, since that is where the highest risks come from. Just like if you want to use your car on the roadways, it should be maintained. Both are preventative measures that lower your risk.
There is no point in crying about it. Just do it, otherwise live with the higher risk!
Same goes for the operator!!!! Do you have a license to operate that computer????? ;P
Wise up people!
Posted by: TJ | February 9, 2007 8:09 PM | Report abuse
I have had to roll back IE7 as it keeps disconnecting me and the two different connection modules both come in together.
I was told that a patch to cure this is to be issued next and hope this is so.
I am wondering if I need then to reinstall IE7 to get the patch.
Tech site in Oz said this has been a problem for lot of folk and that microsoft know.
Posted by: Sam Hagen | February 9, 2007 9:25 PM | Report abuse
The comments to this entry are closed.
I guess the patching will neved end....
I wonder how many patches will they make for Vista until it will be retired....