Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Microsoft yesterday (October 27th) issued a patch for a network security vulnerability identified in the pre-beta version of the Windows 7 operating system.
The patch came a day ahead of the pre-beta release of the new OS at the Professional Developers Conference in Los Angeles.
While exact details of the vulnerability were not made public, the software giant warned that it could allow a malicious user to take control of a compromised machine.
"A security issue has been identified that could allow an authenticated remote attacker to compromise your Microsoft Windows-based system and gain control over it," the group said.
The potential network security vulnerability has previously been found to affect earlier versions of Windows, including 2000 and XP.
Speaking to Cnet, a spokesperson for Microsoft said that because the pre-beta version of Windows 7 had been loaded on to CDs for distribution prior to the discovery of the vulnerability.
She added that developers and testers will be prompted to download the update upon initial installation.
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