Microsoft plans to patch PowerPoint flaw

By

Microsoft is preparing to issue a patch for a security vulnerability that has plagued users since early last month.

The vulnerability lies in a component of PowerPoint and, when exploited, can allow an attacker to remotely install malware on the targeted system.

The vulnerability is rated as 'critical' for Office 2000 and 'important' for Office XP, 2003 and 2007 as well as the PowerPoint viewer and the Office Compatibility pack.

Microsoft first gave word of the flaw in early April when it issued a warning that the vulnerability was being actively targeted in the wild by malware writers.

Many had expected the flaw to be patched by Microsoft during last month's Patch Tuesday release. When the update was released without a patch, some experts began to worry that leaving the flaw unpatched was putting users at a high risk for infection.

According to Microsoft's advance notice, the PowerPoint flaw is set to be the only patch released this month, sparing users and administrators from having to update Windows or Internet Explorer.

The May update is expected to be released May 12.

Updates typically arrive by early afternoon US Pacific time.

Microsoft plans to patch PowerPoint flaw
Got a news tip for our journalists? Share it with us anonymously here.
Copyright ©v3.co.uk
Tags:

Most Read Articles

ADHA readies market test of Accenture's $788m My Health Record deal

ADHA readies market test of Accenture's $788m My Health Record deal

Western Sydney University establishes dedicated data function

Western Sydney University establishes dedicated data function

DeepSeek faces ban from Apple, Google app stores in Germany

DeepSeek faces ban from Apple, Google app stores in Germany

SA Water plans 'once-in-a-generation' core technology uplift

SA Water plans 'once-in-a-generation' core technology uplift

Log In

  |  Forgot your password?