3 Microsoft Windows , one Winzip and one QuickTime vulnerabilities make the top five exploitable security holes for all Windows users. $400 can buy you a fully automated attack kit for exploiting these vulnerabilities. This attack kit called MPack has been used heavily in Italy in what has become known as the Italian Job.
The first three vulnerabilities listed here affect Windows; if you've been keeping up with Automatic Updates, you should have the patches. To make sure, run Windows Update from the Start menu, or download the patches individually from the listed Microsoft links.
The other two attacks hit QuickTime and WinZip, and are meant to catch people who might update Windows but not worry about other programs.
The must-close holes Microsoft XML Core Services overflow - Critical flaw for Windows XP SP2, Windows 2000 SP4 and Windows Vista
- Get the fix from Windows Update or Microsoft
WebViewFolderIcon overflow
- Critical flaw for Windows XP SP1 and SP2 and Windows 2000
SP4 - Get the fix from Windows Update or Microsoft
ANI overflow
- Critical flaw for Windows XP SP2, Windows 2000 SP4, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2003
- Get the fix from Windows Update or Microsoft
WinZip ActiveX overflow
- Critical flaw for WinZip 10 prior to Build 7245 on Windows (WinZip doesn't specify which versions of Windows)
- Get the fix (and instructions) from WinZip
QuickTime overflow
- Critical flaw for QuickTime Player 7.1.3 on Windows XP/2000
- Get the fix (and instructions) from Apple, or choose Help,Update Existing Software from the QuickTime menu.
But just as a steering-wheel lock won't stop someone from smashing your car window, closing these holes doesn't guarantee that
you'll be safe online.
To repel e-mail threats, the other major attack vector, be on your
guard against any unsolicited e-mail links or attachments, even if the message uses your name and doesn't contain obvious grammatical errors.
One currently operating assault uses data stolen from Monster.com to send personalized attack messages to job seekers.
And of course, keep your antivirus software up to date.Antivirus software won't usually be of direct help in blocking crooks' intrusions via exploits like these, but often it can stop the malicious software that criminals attempt to install after breaking in. |
