Microsoft patches "critical" crack in Windows

[Jazzy]

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) – Microsoft released an emergency patch for a critical crack in Windows operating system software that could let hackers take control of computers over the Internet.



The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if the icon of a specially crafted shortcut is displayed, the US technology giant said in a security bulletin ranked 'Critical.'



An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the local user.



Computer users commonly use short-cuts in the form of on-screen icons they can click to instantly awaken favored applications.



The Windows flaw lets hackers booby-trap such icons with malicious software that could let them control machines from afar.



Full story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100803/ts_afp/usitinternetsoftwaremicrosoft

 

[Masri]

I might want to install that critical update my computer wants me to install. lol

 

[Jazzy]

I got that message when I booted up this morning. My computer did an auto update and took less than 10 minutes.

 

[Flurry]

Wait.. my computer did an auto update a day or so ago.. so are we in danger or did this fix things?

 

[Jazzy]

Wait.. my computer did an auto update a day or so ago.. so are we in danger or did this fix things?

I think we are always in danger when we use the Internet

 

[Flurry]

Good point.

 

[netsavy006]

I didn't get any updates today. Does that mean anything?

 

[Jazzy]

I didn't get any updates today. Does that mean anything?

Here's a link that you can check: http://www.update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

 

[Evil Eye]

Wonder if it updated yet...

 

[Jazzy]

Wonder if it updated yet...

Mine said update complete and then it restarted my computer.

 

[Evil Eye]

I wasn't the only on to use this computer today though.

Oh well, it did download something,

 

[Jazzy]

I wasn't the only on to use this computer today though.

Oh well, it did download something,

I hope it downloaded the automatic updates this way you are constantly protected when and if this happens again.

 

[Wolvendeer]

So this was why my computer started bugging me to restart? Honestly, it's not like this is going to make sure you're 'safe'. Only OS that is even remotely safe is OpenBSD or Qubes. </rant>

 

[Sinon]

The only safe OS is one that never touches the internet, or any kind of storage device used on a computer that can access the internet. That's the only way to 100% avoid viruses and this sort of thing.



I don't know if I got the update. I'll check later.

 

[The Dragon Master]

I think I got the update. In my update log, it said important security update was logged. And I think it did install something and then restart.

 

[Crusader]

I bet they still haven't fixed that flaw that has been in Windows since Windows NT...