The cyber-idiots are at it again. A flaw in a Windows Graphics function has been discovered and the instructions on how to exploit the flaw have been posted on the Internet. There have already been a good deal of reports of computers being affected by various exploits.
Basically, the problem involves how Windows processes certain types of graphic images. When the image is loaded via an infected website or an infected image in an email, the hacker can take control of the computer with the same security rights as the user of the machine. At this point the hacker can do a wide range of damage from destroying data on the computer and/or server to monitoring for personal or sensitive information.
Microsoft has posted more information here. Users are advised to be vigilant and to keep anti-virus and anti-spyware programs up to date. We will continue to post pertinent information here.
