Microsoft Windows: Vulnerability Found in Windows, Users Urged to Download Security Update
Microsoft has discovered a security breach that could allow hackers to gain access to users' computers. The vulnerability allows an attacker to "install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights," according to Tech Radar.
Fortunately, Microsoft has released a patch to solve this potential vulnerability. Microsoft says that the update that includes the security patch is critical. Microsoft Update has the patch included in its latest over-the-air update.
Microsoft usually sends out a weekly patch on Tuesdays to address any security issues, but this security issue needed to be addressed immediately, which is why Microsoft sent out the patch Monday, according to Venture Beat.
Hackers are able to gain control of a user's system by taking advantage of OpenType fonts. When a user opens a document or website with these fonts, they become vulnerable.
"The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted document or visits an untrusted webpage that contains embedded OpenType fonts," the advisory from Microsoft said.
"The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the Windows Adobe Type Manager Library handles OpenType fonts."
The vulnerability affects users running Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, RT and RT 8.1. The vulnerability also affects Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2.
Microsoft also said that Windows products that are older and no longer supported by Microsoft Update might also be affected. These versions of Windows are not listed on the advisory from Microsoft and they will not be patched.
Microsoft is all set to start releasing their newest operating system Windows 10 on July 29. The all new Windows 10 will have brand new features, including an improved Cortana personal assistant and the new Windows Edge web browser. Users with Windows 7 or higher will be able to receive Windows 10 as a free download.
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