Internet Explorer Gets Urgent Update

By: Sara Smith
Staff Writer
Published: Dec 19, 2008

Microsoft has released a security update for Internet Explorer which patches a vulnerability. The Web browser update is rated critical and is recommended for all IE users.

Microsoft Corp has released an urgent update to patch a security vulnerability found in Internet Explorer. The software company urges all IE users to update their Web browser. If left disregarded, a remote user could exploit the Web browser and gain full privileges on a user's computer.

"This security update resolves a publicly disclosed vulnerability," Microsoft said on its Web site.

The Internet Explorer vulnerability could allow a remote hacker to execute code remotely if a user views a specially crafted Web page. The consequences of this IE security vulnerability is critical. A remote user could gain full administrative user rights.

"This security update is rated Critical for Internet Explorer 5.01, Internet Explorer 6, Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1, and Internet Explorer 7," Microsoft said in a statement.

Internet Explorer validates data binding parameters while the vulnerability could exploit the error resulting in an exploitable condition. The problem was first discovered earlier this month but was not addressed during the regular updates by Microsoft.

Microsoft updates its software using its auto update feature on the first Tuesday of each month. However, some updates, especially ones like this one that are urgent, are sent out in an effort to resolve issues immediately.