David Nino

Microsoft Tries To Head Off MSN Messenger Attack

Microsoft Friday locked out all users of its vulnerable instant messaging client, MSN Messenger, in an attempt to prevent an exploit from invisibly sweeping through PCs running the software.
The move came just three days after Microsoft first disclosed a vulnerability in MSN Messenger, and the security firm that discovered the flaw posted proof-of-concept code. That proof-of-concept, Microsoft claimed, was then used by another, unnamed individual, to create a working exploit.
"Microsoft wants customers to be aware that exploit code is now public and urges them to patch their systems," a company spokeswoman said in an e-mail.
To prevent a widespread attack, Microsoft went proactive and made updates mandatory for MSN Messenger users.

posted by David Nino at 4:41 PM