Patches Released to Fix Several Vulnerabilities found in Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer & Visio

Microsoft has released numerous security updates to correct serious vulnerabilities found in all current versions of Windows and Internet Explorer. An attacker can exploit these vulnerabilities in a number of ways, the most common being luring users into opening malicious files or webpages. Once opened, the attacker uses the file or webpage to execute code on a user’s computer, possibility enabling them to gain complete control of the machine.

Patches have also been released to correct two vulnerabilities found in 2002, 2003, and 2007 (not 2010) versions of Visio, Microsoft’s diagramming application. Attackers exploit these vulnerabilities by enticing users to open a maliciously-crafted Visio document, which could ultimately enable them to gain complete control of the user’s computer.

3D Corporation will automatically test and deploy the aforementioned security updates on the networks of our 3DProActive™ Managed and Partner clients; other Windows, Internet Explorer and Visio users should download and install the appropriate patches immediately to avoid possible exploitation of their machines.

More information regarding these vulnerabilities and their impact can be found in the following security bulletins issued by Microsoft: Microsoft Security Bulletin MS11-005, MS11-006, MS11-007, MS11-009, MS11-010, MS11-011, MS11-012, MS11-013, MS11-014 (all regarding Windows vulnerabilities); MS11-003 (regarding Internet Explorer vulnerabilities); and MS11-008 (regarding Visio vulnerabilities).

3D’s security solutions can protect businesses from threats like these automatically. If you would like additional information on how we can make and keep your network worry-free, please visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or call our office at (360) 671-4906.

References: WatchGuard’s Security Center Updates “Nine Windows Bulletins Correct 15 Security Vulnerabilities”, “Cumulative IE Update Fixes Four Code Execution Flaws”, and “Two Visio Code Execution Vulnerabilities”; Microsoft Security Bulletin MS11-005, MS11-006, MS11-007, MS11-009, MS11-010, MS11-011, MS11-012, MS11-013, MS11-014, MS11-003, MS11-008