Microsoft: 'Critical' Internet Explorer Flaw Fixed

Microsoft has released a series of updates designed to fix several 'critical' security vulnerabilities in its software. Adobe has also released a new security patch for its Flash Player software.

Both Adobe and Microsoft are urging their users to make sure their computers have installed these repair modules, and if not, to install them manually as soon as possible.

Microsoft says most of the ten vulnerabilities addressed by this week's Patch Tuesday updates have been rated 'critical,' the firm's highest security threat level. Adobe has also rated its patch as 'critical.'

Internet Explorer Remote Code Execution Threat Looms Large

One of those patches is designed to fix a problem affecting versions 9 and 10 of Microsoft's popular web browser, Internet Explorer. The flaw could reportedly allow a hacker to gain remote control of an unsuspecting user's PC.

For the flaw to be exploited, according to Microsoft, a user would have to browse to a malicious website delivering "specially crafted" pages. (Source: zdnet.com)

Microsoft says the flaw is not found in older versions of Internet Explorer; it affects only users of Windows 8 and Windows RT. At least two critical fixes are aimed at Windows RT.

For this reason, Microsoft is encouraging users of its Surface RT tablet computer (which runs Windows RT) to download the patches immediately.

This is just the second time that Microsoft has asked Surface users to download Patch Tuesday fixes. (Source: eweekw.com)

Another 'critical' flaw addressed on this Patch Tuesday affects Microsoft's email server software, Exchange.

Most Microsoft Operating Systems Require Update

Microsoft says these most recent updates address problems in nearly every one of its operating systems, including Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2012.

Adobe has also released a 'critical' update designed for Windows, Linux, and Mac versions of its Flash Player software. However, the firm has not clearly stated what problems the update is designed to fix.

Windows and Adobe users who have their systems configured to automatically download and install security updates should have received these updates already.

Users who have disabled automatic security downloads are advised by both Adobe and Microsoft to install these new patches immediately.

To access the Adobe update, click here. To access the Microsoft update, click here.