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by nancymccoy from deeeeeep in cyberspace

Last Post 1 day, 10 hours Ago


Microsoft posts emergency defense for new attack
Oct 24, 2008 | 9:20 AM
Category: News
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A remote-code exploit that could spread rapidly like the 2003 MSBlaster worm is putting all versions of Windows at risk.
Susan Bradley By Susan Bradley
I recommend that you immediately install a patch that Microsoft has just issued to protect your system from a vulnerability in the Server service.

MS08-067 (958644)
Rare out-of-cycle patch emphasizes the risk

With little warning, Microsoft released yesterday an unscheduled or "out-of-cycle" patch for a highly critical vulnerability that affects all versions of Windows. Security bulletin MS08-067 (patch 958644) was posted to warn of a remote-code attack that could spread wildly across the Internet.

Microsoft says it found evidence two weeks ago of an RPC (remote procedure call) attack that can potentially infect Windows machines across the Net with no user action required.

Windows Server 2003, 2000, and XP (even with Service Pack 2 or 3 installed) are particularly vulnerable. Vista and Server 2008 gain some protection via User Account Control, data-execution protection, and other safeguards, as explained in an article by Dan Goodin in the Register.

While firewalls are a first line of defense against this attack, don't think you're secure just because you have a firewall. Malware and viruses use many different techniques to wiggle their way into our systems.

For example, my office's networks are protected by firewalls on the outside, but inside the network, PCs have file and printer sharing enabled. If a worm got loose inside the office network (and the patch hadn't been installed), the attack would spread like wildfire.

Many antivirus vendors have already issued definition updates that protect against this attack. Your antivirus program, however, may not protect you completely even if your AV definitions are up-to-date. Early reports indicate that there are already nine different strains of viruses trying to take advantage of this vulnerability. We can expect more to come, so even the best AV application may not be able to update fast enough.

I've tested this patch and have had no problems applying it. I strongly urge you to download and install this patch manually. Restart your PC before installing any patch to verify that your machine is bootable. Then be sure to reboot again after installing the patch, so the patched binaries completely replace the vulnerable components.

Microsoft has posted several versions of the patch that apply to different operating systems:

• Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 patch download
• Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or 3 patch download
• Windows XP 64-bit Edition patch download
• Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 or 2 patch download
• Windows Server 2003 64-bit Edition patch download
• Windows Vista with or without Service Pack 1 patch download
• Windows Vista 64-bit Edition with or without Service Pack 1 patch download
• Windows Server 2008 32-bit Edition patch download
• Windows Server 2008 64-bit Edition patch download

More information: Please read security bulletin MS08-067. For an excellent technical explanation of the vulnerability and possible mitigations, read TechNet's Oct. 23 description. (TechNet incorrectly refers to MS08-067 as "out-of-band," but the patch is simply out-of-cycle, because it wasn't released on Microsoft's usual Patch Tuesday monthly cycle.)
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furbie read my blog view my photos
Oct 24, 2008 | 10:41 AM

Thanks for the 'heads -up' Nancy !

Hadn't heard of this one - all we need is another like the Blaster worm.

Better safe than sorry theysay -

Thanks again.
KellerKowboy read my blog view my photos
Oct 24, 2008 | 1:22 PM

I've been a subscriber to "Windows Secrets" and Fred Langa's tech columns for many years...And this is the FIRST time I've ever seen them rush out a newsletter warning like this. I'm sure we'll hear more about it....But, this one is worth acting on ASAP.

Good post, Nancy!
leegrimsley read my blog view my photos
Oct 24, 2008 | 4:47 PM

Thank you for this Ms Nancy

I went to download this and was told it was aleady on my system

Guess Norton is paying off afterall
KellerKowboy read my blog view my photos
Oct 24, 2008 | 4:55 PM

If you're set to "auto update" Windows (something I no longer allow), you'll be just peachy-keen right quick. If not, pay heed....
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nancymccoy

47 yr old mother of 2 girls and 2 granddaughter's. Plus 4 cats. Born and raised in Texas. Love good ol long hair rock and roll. I do have a special place in my heart for Motown. I like MMA almost as much as I do WWE and vanilla in my coffee. I'm also a Highlander and Star Trek freak. I love drag racing and dirt track racing. Old time BBS'er: FIDOnet, HOGnet, Snooknet, etc. I remember and used 300 baud modems. On the net since early '94. Love web design & doing my own graphics. First computer was a Trash80 or that Commodore 64. Still have my QBasic books. I tend to dream in code. Did tech support. Beta tester. Have kept 6 (one of the first users of LiveJournal) other blogs for sometime, unless you count BBS's and then it goes waaaayyy back.

Member Since: 9/9/2006


 

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