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Micrsoft Admits XP Security Flaw
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2001 5:31 PM - Associated Press
Microsoft Corp. acknowledged several serious flaws Thursday in its newest version of Windows, billed as the most secure ever, that allow hackers to steal or destroy a victim's data files across the Internet or implant rogue computer software. It urged consumers to quickly install a free fix it offered. A Microsoft official said the risk to consumers was unprecedented because the glitches allow hackers to seize control of all Windows XP operating system software without requiring a computer user to do anything except connect to the Internet.
Microsoft made available on its Web site a free fix for both home and professional editions of Windows XP and forcefully urged consumers to install it immediately. The flaws, discovered five weeks ago by independent security researchers, threatened to undermine widespread adoption of Microsoft's latest Windows software, which many hope will be an economic catalyst for the sagging technology industry.
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The Windows XP problems affect a little-used feature that eventually will allow consumers to control high-tech household appliances using their computers. Called "universal plug and play," the feature is activated by design in every copy of Windows XP and can be added manually to Microsoft's earlier Windows ME software, also used by millions of consumers worldwide. "This is the first network-based, remote compromise that I'm aware of for Windows desktop systems," said Scott Culp, manager of Microsoft's security response center. "Every Windows XP user needs to immediately take action." He called it a "very serious vulnerability."
[snip]
Maiffret and his researchers demonstrated the flaws for The Associated Press by hacking into a reporter's laptop running Windows XP from 2,300 miles away and successfully instructing the computer to connect automatically several times to the Web site for the National Security Agency, the government's super-secret spy agency. Microsoft and Maiffret said there was no suggestion that anyone has used these flaws to break into any computers; Maiffret predicted that many hackers will be able to duplicate his firm's research - and begin breaking into unprotected computers - "a couple months from now."
eEye's Riley Hassell, also 21, discovered methods for hackers to either disrupt a victim's Windows XP computer, order it to attack other Internet users or instruct it to run commands - such as to delete or steal files or install rogue software. "This is very serious," Maiffret said. Hackers using these methods "could reformat your hard-drive, record your keystrokes," he added. Hackers could attack individual computers directly, though the flaws also allow hackers to transmit an attack to a single Internet address and strike all the nearby Windows XP computers within a corporation or neighborhood.
The flaws are particularly embarrassing to Microsoft because their discovery falls so close to Christmas and because of the company's commercial emphasis on improved security in Windows XP. The company boasts as one of 10 reasons for technology experts to buy Windows XP the promise of a "safe, secure and private computing experience."
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If you have Windows XP, go here for the patch NOW !!!
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/security/bulletin/MS01-059.asp
URL is all on one line, no spaces
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- mark jurik
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