Microsoft Releases Emergency Windows Patch

Microsoft Corp. fixed a critical bug in its Windows operating system Thursday, saying that it is being exploited by online criminals and could eventually be used in a widespread "worm" attack.Microsoft says it found evidence two weeks ago of an RPC attack that can potentially infect Windows machines.Microsoft  issued urgently this critical patch ahead of regularly scheduled  November updates(the second Tuesday of each month).

                     

"It is possible that this vulnerability could be used in the crafting of a wormable exploit. If successfully exploited, an attacker could then install programs or view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights," Microsoft said in the  Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-067 released Thursday morning.The company also will reveal more details about the patch in a special Webcast.

Windows Server 2003, 2000, and XP (even with Service Pack 2 or 3 installed) are particularly vulnerable.I would highly recommend applying this patch as soon as possible, either by visiting Windows Update or enabling Automatic Updates.

• Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 patch download
• Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or 3 patch download
• Windows XP 64-bit Edition patch download
• Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 or 2 patch download
• Windows Server 2003 64-bit Edition patch download
• Windows Vista with or without Service Pack 1 patch download
• Windows Vista 64-bit Edition with or without Service Pack 1 patch download
• Windows Server 2008 32-bit Edition patch download
• Windows Server 2008 64-bit Edition patch download

For more information please read security bulletin MS08-067