Avoid untrusted PowerPoint docs, says Microsoft

By

Microsoft advised PowerPoint users this week to avoid Office files from untrusted sources - and unexpected files from trusted sources - as a workaround for the recently discovered flaw in PowerPoint now being exploited in targeted attacks.

Microsoft researchers ware finalizing an update that could be released as part of the Aug. 8 Patch Tuesday, according to a new security advisory released this week.


The Redmond, Wash., company was investigating new reports of limited zero-day attacks using the flaw, according to a company spokesman.

On Monday, Stephen Toulouse, security program manager, said the company's researchers were working "on a state of high alert" since targeted attacks on Office flaws began appearing in recent months.

The PowerPoint exploit, like an exploit for Excel used a month before, was first seen in the days following Patch Tuesday, when Microsoft released seven new fixes for security flaws in its products.

Got a news tip for our journalists? Share it with us anonymously here.
Copyright © SC Magazine, US edition
Tags:

Most Read Articles

University of Western Australia resets all staff and student passwords

University of Western Australia resets all staff and student passwords

"Shade BIOS" stealth malware hides below operating system

"Shade BIOS" stealth malware hides below operating system

Researchers poke further holes in TETRA encrypted wireless comms

Researchers poke further holes in TETRA encrypted wireless comms

"BitUnlocker" full-volume encryption bypass found by Microsoft researchers

"BitUnlocker" full-volume encryption bypass found by Microsoft researchers

Log In

  |  Forgot your password?