Patch released for Win XP flaw

[Lord Prism]

It is sad that Microsoft has allocated the bulk of it’s creative and productive genius in WinXP to create software that protects it’s OWN financial interests (anti-pirating activation requirement) rather than creating a product that protects it’s CUSTOMER’S security needs.

I applaud Microsoft for creating a product activation scheme to take the next step against illegal copying of software, however it would be NICE if they ALSO applied that initiative to making their software secure!!




http://www.msnbc.com/news/676671.asp

"WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 — The FBI’s top cyber-security unit warned consumers and corporations Friday night to take new steps beyond those recommended by Microsoft Corp. to protect against hackers who might try to attack major flaws discovered in the newest version of Windows software.
THE FBI’S National Infrastructure Protection Center said that, in addition to installing a free software fix offered by Microsoft on the company’s Web site, consumers and corporations using Windows XP should disable the product’s “universal plug and play” features affected by the glitches.
The FBI did not provide detailed instructions how to do this. Microsoft considers disabling the “plug and play” features unnecessary.
The company acknowledged this week that Windows XP suffers from serious problems that allow hackers to steal or destroy a victim’s data files across the Internet or implant rogue computer software. The glitches were unusually serious because they allow hackers to seize control of all Windows XP operating system software without requiring a computer user to do anything except connect to the Internet.
Outside experts cautioned that disabling the affected Windows XP features threatens to render unusable an entire category of high-tech devices about to go on the market, such as a new class of computer printers that are easier to set up. But they also acknowledged that disabling it could afford some protection against similar flaws discovered in the future.

Patch released for Win XP flaw
The FBI, in a bulletin released at 8 p.m. at the start of a long holiday weekend, also warned professional computer administrators to actively monitor for specific types of Internet traffic that might indicate an attack was in progress.
A top Microsoft security official, Steve Lipner, sought to reassure consumers and companies that installing the free fix was the best course of action to protect their systems.
Friday’s warning from the FBI’s cyber-protection unit came after FBI and Defense Department officials and some top industry experts sought reassurance from Microsoft that the free software fix it offered effectively stops hackers from attacking the Windows XP flaws.
The government’s rare interest in the problems with Windows XP software, which is expected to be widely adopted by consumers, illustrates U.S. concerns about risks to the Internet. Friday’s discussions came during a private conference call organized by the National Infrastructure Protection Center.

CONTENTIOUS CALL
During the call, Microsoft’s experts acknowledged the threats posed by the Windows XP problems, but they assured federal officials and industry experts that its fix — if installed by consumers — resolves the issues.

Viruses & Vulnerabilities
• XP seen vulnerable; patch issued
• Christmas virus hits some computers
• Some AT&T users can't get e-mail
• 'Goner' suspects under house arrest
• Fleet fixes credit card Web site flaw
• Hacker views MCI network data
• 'Goner' virus outbreak eases

Microsoft declined to tell U.S. officials how many consumers downloaded and installed its fix during the first 24 hours it was available. Experts from Internet providers, including AT&T Corp., argued that information was vital to determine the scope of the threat.
Microsoft also indicated it would not send e-mail reminders to Windows XP customers to remind them of the importance of installing the patch.
Microsoft explained that a new feature of Windows XP can automatically download the free fix, which takes several minutes, and prompt consumers to install it.
“The patch is effective,” said Lipner, Microsoft’s director of security assurance, in an interview with The Associated Press.
Officials expressed fears to Microsoft about possible electronic attacks targeting Web sites and federal agencies during next week’s Christmas holidays from computers running still-vulnerable versions of Windows, participants said.
Several experts said they had already managed to duplicate within their research labs so-called “denial of service” attacks made possible by the Windows XP flaws. Such attacks can overwhelm Web sites and prevent their use by legitimate visitors.
Another risk, that hackers can implant rogue software on vulnerable computers, was considered more remote because of the technical sophistication needed.
The FBI’s cyber-security unit has been concerned about the threat and warned again Thursday that the potential of “denial of service” attacks is high. The agency said people unhappy with U.S. policy have indicated they plan to target the Defense Department’s Web sites, as well as other organizations that support the nation’s most important networks.

© 2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. "

[Nuclear Krusader]

As far as I know, WinXP has already been cracked!

So it seems that all the effort from M$ and all the annoying activation process they forced us to put up with have been in vain.