Critical Security Update Released – All Windows Versions at Risk

Microsoft has released an out of band security update due to a vulnerability in the code that could remote execution of code on Windows machines. According to the bulletin I received all versions of Windows are vulnerable and should be updated immediately.

This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in the Server service. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if an affected system received a specially crafted RPC request. On Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 systems, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability without authentication to run arbitrary code. It is possible that this vulnerability could be used in the crafting of a wormable exploit. Firewall best practices and standard default firewall configurations can help protect network resources from attacks that originate outside the enterprise perimeter. The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting the way that the Server service handles RPC requests.

It’s a little bit confusing as the paragraph above only states Windows 2000, XP and Windows Server 2003 are impacted, but this line just earlier in the email states differently. To be safe, go check your machine.

Microsoft has released security bulletin MS08-067, Vulnerability in Server Service Could Allow Remote Code Execution (958644), to address a vulnerability in all currently supported versions of Windows.

Further in the bulletin the listed systems include:

• Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4
• Windows XP Service Pack 2
• Windows XP Service Pack 3
• Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
• Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
• Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1
• Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
• Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition
• Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
• Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems
• Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
• Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 1
• Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1
• Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems*
• Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems*
• Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems

Take care of yourself and go see if your machine needs the update that’s required to keep yourself protected.