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Microsoft Issues Patch To Plug Seven New Windows Holes

April 4, 2007
Microsoft has issued a new patch that is designed to resolve seven different vulnerabilities in the Windows operating system, including one that changes the way Windows processes Animated Cursor, or .ani files. Security experts say hackers have been exploiting the bug since last week.

In releasing the seven updates, Microsoft rated the .ani patch "critical." On its Website, the software giant noted that the update is being released out of its normal cycle of once a month, on the second Tuesday. Security experts said the early release was forced by widespread reports of attacks exploiting the vulnerabilities.

Ken Dunham, a security expert for iDefense, says there is evidence that "organized groups" are now launching attacks on computers to exploit the vulnerability. He says the .ani attacks will likely continue over the next several months.

Security experts strongly urge PC users to download and install the emergency updates from Microsoft. Microsoft says exploitation of the most critical vulnerability can allow a hacker to execute commands to an affected PC.

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