Microsoft fixes critical Windows, IE flaws
By Jessica Mintz, Associated Press
SEATTLE — Microsoft released four critical fixes Tuesday to patch security holes in many versions of its Windows operating system, Internet Explorer browser and other programs.
The critical patches, so called because they pose the highest threat in Microsoft's security warning system, help prevent hackers from taking control of another person's computer without that user's permission. Microsoft's free desktop e-mail programs, Outlook Express and Windows Mail, are also touched by the updates.
FIX THE FLAWS: Microsoft's critical patches
Three of the critical patches aim to protect PC users who unwittingly expose their computers to malicious code by viewing or clicking on Web pages or e-mails designed by hackers.
The Redmond-based software maker also released a patch with its second-highest threat ranking to address a similar "remote code execution" threat in its Office and Visio software, and a lower-ranked fix for a vulnerability in Windows that lets unauthorized users to break into computers to steal passwords and other user information.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Tuesday | Microsoft | Security
Several patches are aimed at the company's newest operating system, Vista, which Microsoft has touted as the most secure ever.
Vista went on sale to consumers at the end of January; in April, Microsoft broke its once-monthly update schedule with an emergency fix after Microsoft and security experts found that hackers were exploiting a hole in the way Vista and other versions of Windows handle animated cursor files.
Microsoft also released seven non-security, high-priority updates Tuesday, including a monthly update to software that removes harmful software from PCs.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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