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Firms using XP vulnerable despite recent Microsoft patches
Microsoft's recently downgraded vulnerabilities still pack a mean punch for organizations still using Windows XP, a security expert says.3/12/2010 5:00:00 AM By: Nestor E. Arellano
Since the Windows 7 operating system (OS) launch Microsoft Corp. has downgraded vulnerabilities it recently issued patches for.
That's good news, say researchers at anti-virus firm Symantec Corp., as it's a sign security features in the new OS are working.
The bad news is the recently downgraded vulnerabilities still pack a mean punch for organizations still using Windows XP.
This month, for instance, Microsoft issued two security bulletins, addressing eight vulnerabilities in its software products, none rated as critical.
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"Since Windows 7, Microsoft has seemed to downgrade file-based vulnerabilities," said Joshua Talbot, security intelligence manager, Symantec Security Response.
For instance, in a security advisory 981374 issued Tuesday, Microsoft said it was investigating reports of a vulnerability in Internet Explorer (IE) 6 and IE 7, but added its latest browser - IE 8 - wasn't affected.
Page Navigation 1) Vulnerability downgrade brings good news and bad. - Page 12) A list of vulnerable Microsoft products. - Page 2
3) Tip on how to prevent an attack. - Page 3
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