News
Microsoft Issues 'Zero-Day' XML Core Patch, 5 Others
As expected, Microsoft today issued six patches for a variety of security issues, including an XML vulnerability considered to be "zero day."
- By Becky Nagel
- November 14, 2006
As expected, Microsoft today issued six patches for a variety of security issues,
including an XML vulnerability considered to be "zero day."
According to Microsoft, this flaw (MS06-071),
rated critical, could allow remote code to infect a user's machine if they visit
a Web site with the attack code. According to an earlier security advisory,
those using Windows Server 2003 SP1 with default settings and using Enhanced
Security Configuration are not vulnerable.
According to Microsoft's Security Response Center blog, unlike today's other
patches, the company was unable to distribute this one through SUS 1.0. "The
update is available through all other channels, and Software Update Services
customers can obtain this update directly from the Download Center or through
WSUS," wrote Mike Reavey. "We are working to make this update available
through SUS as quickly as possible and expect to release it with the next SUS
1.0 update."
This month's other patches are available through SUS 1.0, as well as all other
distribution channels. They are:
- MS06-066,
Important: Fixes two problems relating to NetWare and Microsoft Client Services.
- MS06-067,
Critical: Described by Microsoft as a "Cumulative Security Update for
Internet Explorer," fixes several problems relating to Windows and IE
5.01 and 6.
- MS06-068,
Critical: Relates to a flaw in Microsoft Agent Memory Corruption in various
versions of Windows.
- MS06-069,
Critical: Deals with issues with Windows XP and Macromedia Flash Player.
- MS06-070,
Critical: Fixes a Workstation Service Memory Corruption vulnerability found
in Windows 2000 SP4 and Windows XP SP2.
The company did not patch another flaw relating to Visual Studio that's
also reported to be "zero day," meaning that active code exploiting the flaw has been found.
To view the official announcement regarding this month's release, go here.
About the Author
Becky Nagel is the vice president of Web & Digital Strategy for 1105's Converge360 Group, where she oversees the front-end Web team and deals with all aspects of digital projects at the company, including launching and running the group's popular virtual summit and Coffee talk series . She an experienced tech journalist (20 years), and before her current position, was the editorial director of the group's sites. A few years ago she gave a talk at a leading technical publishers conference about how changes in Web browser technology would impact online advertising for publishers. Follow her on twitter @beckynagel.