Sunday, March 13, 2011

Use Microsoft's FixIt tool to protect your PCs.

The actual flaw is with the MHTML protocol handler in Windows--not in Internet Explorer itself--and affects all versions of the Windows operating system. However, Internet Explorer is the only known attack vector for exploiting the vulnerability.

New attacks are being reported using Internet Explorer to exploit a Windows vulnerability that was originally disclosed in January, but has not yet been patched. There is still no patch imminent, but there is a tool available from Microsoft to address the issue and protect your PC.

Jerry Bryant, group manager of response communications for Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing, echoed that sentiment. "Users who have installed the Fixit to apply Microsoft's recommended workaround are not at risk. When Microsoft is done investigating, we will take appropriate action to help protect customers. This may include providing a security update through the monthly release process or an out-of-band update to help customers protect themselves."

It is worth noting, however, that the number of attacks seen in the wild thus far is still relatively small. The attacks seem to be more targeted, possibly politically-motivated according to a post on the Google Online Security Blog.

Remember, though, all supported versions of Windows are impacted, and all versions of Internet Explorer can be used as an attack vector. You could prevent exploitation of the MHTML flaw by switching to another browser like Firefox or Chrome. If you are going to continue using Internet Explorer, it is recommended that you run Microsoft's FixIt tool to protect your PCs.

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