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Microsoft Fixes 17-Year-Old Bug

Security update closes critical loopholes

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 5, 2010 4:34 PM CST

(Newser) – Microsoft will fix a bug that's enjoyed a longer life than most software firms in its February security update. The 17-year-old vulnerability, which first appeared in Windows NT 3.1, involves a utility that allows new versions of Windows to run old programs. The monthly update will fix 25 security holes, 5 of which are rated as "critical"—meaning that a remote user can exploit them to effectively take over the PC and put it to potentially nefarious uses, the BBC reports.

Microsoft Windows 7. (Photo: Business Wire)

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Security update closes critical loopholes

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Security update closes critical loopholes

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Microsoft • security • Windows • computer security • security breach

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Microsoft's Free Antivirus Software Actually Works!

Program performs well in stress test

Microsoft Releases Emergency Security Patch

Unplanned patch addresses critical weakness

Microsoft on Comeback Trail

It's got some 'just plain great' products, writes Farhad Manjoo

Nokia Unveils New Windows Smartphones

Spanish-speakers snigger at name 'Lumia'

Look Out, iPad: Windows 8 a Contender

But a lot can happen in a year, note reviewers

About Us

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Newser By Users

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