Software giant Microsoft has released a warning about a computer security vulnerability before it has even released a patch for the problem.
The flaw, which was announced by the company yesterday, affects users of web-browser Internet Explorer that is running on Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 operating software. The flaw allows hackers to remotely control a user’s computer.
If a user visits a site infected with malware, the flaw could be used immediately by hackers. Microsoft is calling the flaw the ‘Zero Day’ vulnerability.
Users of the software are encouraged to disable the specific part of the software that is faulty, which can be done via Microsoft’s website. It is currently working on a software patch to fix the problem.
The announcement is unusual because Microsoft rarely announces security flaws outside of its regular security patch releases on Tuesdays, only making exceptions for serious security vulnerabilities.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
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