After removing links to a security patch that caused the NT 4.0 operating system to fail, Microsoft on Friday posted an updated patch that fixes the NT 4.0 problem.
The patch, MS02-071, was originally released on Dec. 11 and addressed a vulnerability affecting the WM_TIMER function on a variety of Microsoft's operating systems including Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
By taking advantage of the security hole, an attacker could gain full administrative privileges on a vulnerable system, enabling the attacker to add, delete, or modify data at will and create or delete user accounts.
Microsoft rated the vulnerability "Important."
Following the release of the patch in December, reports surfaced in online discussion groups of random crashes and system reboots on NT 4.0 systems after installing the patch. Those problems disappeared when the patch was removed.
On Feb. 3, Microsoft removed links to the version of the patch for NT 4.0 operating systems from the security bulletin covering the WM_TIMER issue, saying that it had "determined that the patch for Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 machines introduced an error that may, under certain configurations, cause NT 4.0 to fail."
On Friday, the company updated the bulletin again, providing links to a new patch for NT 4.0 that fixes the random crash problem, according to Microsoft.
"Microsoft has investigated this issue and is releasing an updated patch for Windows NT 4.0," the company said in an update to its bulletin.
Microsoft recommended that its customers review the security bulletin on its technical support Web site and install the patch at the earliest opportunity if they are running a vulnerable operating system. The bulletin is at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default
Get the independent advice and expertise you need to support a virtual workforce.
The increase in Linux popularity has increased the frequency and sophistication of malware attacks. Read this 2 page white paper now to learn how you can protect your Linux environment with real-time protection that is certified by all major Linux vendors.
Download now »
Ensuring acceptable application delivery will become even more difficult over the next few years. As a result, IT organizations need to ensure that the approach that they take to resolving the current application delivery challenges can scale to support the emerging challenges. This handbook elaborates on the key tasks associated with planning, optimization, management and control and provides decision criteria to help IT organizations choose appropriate solutions.
Download now »
A common misconception is that mid-range storage requirements are dramatically different than that of a larger enterprise. Mid-range storage users may require less capacity, but they have similar functionality and management requirements. This ESG paper examines mid-range storage needs and reviews a new solution that adjusts size while retaining value, performance and functionality.
Download now »
Sign up to receive Security Resource Alerts
This white paper provides guidance on how to develop a strategic approach to managing and monitoring logs, a key function required for compliance with many regulatory mandates and a critical defense against security threats.
Download now! »
Learn about the processes and technologies that support security information management (SIM) operations, as well as the business case for SIM. The series examines different options for implementing SIM and gives you evaluation criteria for selecting the best option for your organization.
Download now! »
Learn the strategies, actions, and capabilities that Best-in-Class organizations employ and technologies they choose to obtain superior performance against various security performance metrics. This report provides guidelines for identifying which security solutions to consume as a MSS and defines best practices for choosing and managing MSSPs.
Download now! »
Recommend This
