Windows chokes on latest Microsoft patch

VNUnet ^ | 10/17/2005 | Tom Sanders

[Prime Choice]

Some computer administrators are reporting issues with Microsoft's latest security update which is designed to fix a critical flaw in Windows.

The SANS Internet Storm Centre warned that in some cases security update MS05-051 will cause a host of problems, including blocking access to the Microsoft update website, displaying a blank log-in screen without icons, and issues with Office applications. 

A Microsoft spokeswoman confirmed the glitch to vnunet.com, explaining that the problems are "isolated deployment issues" and that the company is working with the affected users to resolve the issue.

Microsoft issued the security bulletin and patch on 11 October. The bulletin describes a vulnerability rated 'critical' in the MSDTC and COM+ components of Windows. Unpatched systems are susceptible to attacks that could allow them to be taken over by cyber-criminals.

Early reports suggest that worm authors have already crafted malware that exploits the security hole described in the bulletin.

The problems with the security patch affect users that have changed the default settings of the COM+ catalog files, Microsoft said in a Knowledge Base article published on Friday. 

The problem occurs in Windows XP, 2000 and Server 2003. The document also provides instructions on how to revolve the issue.

When the security patch is applied, it will prevent the firewall and Windows installer from starting. Windows will also display an empty 'network connections' folder and will not run any COM+ applications.

The Microsoft Component Object Model enables components inside Windows to communicate. The technology allows Word documents to dynamically exchange data with an Excel spreadsheet, for instance.

[Prime Choice]

Yet another sad chapter in the ongoing saga of Microsoft "security." Feh.

[Prime Choice]

Ping-a-ling-a-ding-dong!

Bring the popcorn and hearty laughter!

[K-oneTexas]

I haven't download the latest MS security update yet. However I did look at them at the 'Windows Update' page.


Yes them. There were 18 or 19 of them for a variety of things. But the majority only say "A security issue has been identified that could allow an authenticated attacker to gain access and potentially compromise your Microsoft Windows-based system. You can help protect your computer by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer." Very generic as only a few cite a specific MS application or process.


With Micro$oft all users are beta testers for the life of the product! Oh yeah, and you always must restart your computer - not "may".

[K-oneTexas]

I haven't download the latest MS security update yet. However I did look at them at the 'Windows Update' page.


Yes them. There were 18 or 19 of them for a variety of things. But the majority only say "A security issue has been identified that could allow an authenticated attacker to gain access and potentially compromise your Microsoft Windows-based system. You can help protect your computer by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer." Very generic as only a few cite a specific MS application or process.


With Micro$oft all users are beta testers for the life of the product! Oh yeah, and you always must restart your computer - not "may".

[K-oneTexas]

I haven't download the latest MS security update yet. However I did look at them at the 'Windows Update' page.


Yes them. There were 18 or 19 of them for a variety of things. But the majority only say "A security issue has been identified that could allow an authenticated attacker to gain access and potentially compromise your Microsoft Windows-based system. You can help protect your computer by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer." Very generic as only a few cite a specific MS application or process.


With Micro$oft all users are beta testers for the life of the product! Oh yeah, and you always must restart your computer - not "may".

[JFC]

I had just downloaded all Windows Updates. Thought it would help. It did not help! So, don't do it.

[KingKongCobra]

Wow, there's just never enough two day old news posted here. /sarc

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1504555/posts

[K-oneTexas]

I haven't download the latest MS security update yet. However I did look at them at the 'Windows Update' page.


Yes them. There were 18 or 19 of them for a variety of things. But the majority only say "A security issue has been identified that could allow an authenticated attacker to gain access and potentially compromise your Microsoft Windows-based system. You can help protect your computer by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer." Very generic as only a few cite a specific MS application or process.


With Micro$oft all users are beta testers for the life of the product! Oh yeah, and you always must restart your computer - not "may".

[K-oneTexas]

FR must be having trouble. I clicked post once and got 3, 4, 5, and 8.

[brownsfan]

You win... you're the first I've seen to post the same comment 4 times!

[MrsEmmaPeel]

None of this would be an issue if Microsoft would just test their own code.

[steveo]

I thought you were just trying to get your point across ;)

[Jimbaugh]

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Quad 64 bit processing.... and no viruses....

[Prime Choice]

That's a Cnet article. This is a VNUnet article. I'm sure even you can appreciate the difference.

[Knitebane]

None of this would be an issue if Microsoft would just test their own code.

They can't.

Word recently got out that WindowsXP is such a mess that much of it had to be abandoned to build Vista.

Normally, jettisoning a mess of bad code for fresh would be a good thing. Too bad Microsoft has a long and distinguished record of taking out old bugs and putting in new ones, as the article indicates.

[appalachian_dweller]

The only thing that works on Windows are the administrators.

[Prime Choice]

Please. I have a Mac Mini and in the past three weeks I've received over 70 megabytes of Apple "security updates" for Quicktime, iTunes, et al on that machine.

So don't act like the Mac is some kind of panacea for chronic security problems. It isn't.

[Common Tator]

FR is having trouble

I heard that FR runs LINUX!!

[Prime Choice]

For pete's sake! ONCE IS ENOUGH ALREADY!

[Prime Choice]

The only thing that works on Windows are the administrators.

My favorite: MCSE.

Must Consult Someone Else