Microsoft to plug security holes

Advance warning of fixes.

Microsoft will next week launch a number of security fixes designed to address vulnerabilities issues in ActiveX and DirectShow, among other systems.

According to Microsoft, the weaknesses have already attracted the attention of hackers and the firm is keen to fix them in its monthly patch update, set for 14 July.

Three of the issues are rated as 'critical' while the remaining three are rated as 'important'. Microsoft is urging users to fix the issues as soon as possible and has provided guidance for firms on how best to prepare themselves for the patches.

Writing on his blog, Jerry Bryant of Microsoft's security response team said, "I want to provide some clarity on two of the pending Windows updates mentioned. First, we will be addressing the issue concerning a vulnerability in DirectShow. As noted in the advisory, we are aware of limited active attacks and we have been working aggressively to get a quality update shipped to customers.

"Second, our engineering teams have been working around the clock to produce an update for the issue discussed in Security Advisory 972890 (vulnerability in the Microsoft Video ActiveX Control) and we believe that they will be able to release an update of appropriate quality for broad distribution that protects against the attacks we detailed in the advisory and in an MSRC blog post by Christopher Budd."

Bryant encouraged customers in the meantime to continue to enable the workaround for the latter vulnerability "by running the 'Microsoft Fix it' solution in the associated knowledge base article (KB972890)".

He also urged users to visit the Microsoft Security Research and Defence blog as well as the MSRC site on Tuesday for additional information.