Microsoft is set to release five security patches for its products next Tuesday, including a highly anticipated Internet Explorer (IE) fix that will address a bug that hackers have been exploiting over the past two weeks. Along with the critical IE patch, Microsoft will repair three other issues in its Windows operating system, as well as an unspecified problem in Office that is rated moderate.
Although some had called for Microsoft to release an early version of the IE patch, ahead of its previously scheduled April 11 security updates, that possibility now seems unlikely. "Our test and engineering plan for that update that we began two weeks ago is on track to have that update ready for Tuesday," wrote Stephen Toulouse, security program manager with Microsoft's security response center. )
Microsoft releases its security patches on the second Tuesday of every month, a predictable process that makes corporate system administrators happy. But the schedule also has led some users to download unsupported third-party security updates in between official patch releases from Microsoft.
Prompted by the severity of the IE bug, known as the "create TextRange ()" vulnerability, security vendors eEye Digital Security and Determina Inc. have already offered free downloads that fix the IE bug. To date, eEye reports more than 100,000 downloads of its software, which is not recommended by Microsoft.
Microsoft has plenty of other browser problems to address in the patches, including a second critical vulnerability that, like the create TextRange () bug, could be exploited by hackers to take over a system. Security researchers have also reported two less-critical IE problems with the browser, including a newly discovered bug that could be used by phishers to trick users into thinking they are visiting trusted Web sites. More information about the vulnerability is available at http://secunia.com/advisories/19521/.
Microsoft has not confirmed that Tuesday's patches will address any of these other IE problems.
It has, however, said that the security fixes will include some ActiveX changes aimed at bringing the company into compliance with a 2003 court decision relating to patents held by Eolas Technologies Inc. and the University of California. These changes will alter the way Internet Explorer works with some multimedia technologies like Flash and QuickTime, and they have forced many Web developers to make changes to their sites.
For corporate users who are not ready for the Eolas changes, Microsoft has said that it will also issue a "compatibility patch," which will undo the changes for about two months.
Microsoft offered few other details on the other security patches expected next week, except to say that some of them will require the computer to be restarted.
This whitepaper explains the terminology and concepts behind Data Replication technologies and establishes some sizing rules through worked examples. Learn the new paradigm in disaster tolerance—protect data anywhere.
Download now »
Server virtualization is a popular option for dealing with mounting datacenter costs. Another equally promising approach is the use of an Application Delivery Controller. Citrix NetScaler provides a low-cost way for organizations to reduce their server count and accrue cost savings from a reduction in space, cooling, power and personnel.
Download now »
The emergence of WLANs has created a new breed of security threats to enterprise networks.
Included in HP ProCurve WLAN solutions is security technology that alleviates threats from WLANs through:
* Monitoring wireless activity inside and out of the enterprise
* Classifying WLAN transmissions into harmful and harmless
* Preventing transmissions that pose a security threat to the enterprise network
* Locating participating devices for physical remediation
Effectively address data protection challenges, implementing solutions that help store and protect business–critical data while cutting costs and improving efficiency and reliability.
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
