Internet Explorer Web Browser Security Bug - SSO-AL2009-030

07 July 2009

Software and platforms affected

The following software is affected

Internet Explorer 6
Internet Explorer 7
Internet Explorer 8

for the following operating system platforms:

Windows XP and Windows Server 2003

What is the problem?

There is a bug in all versions of the Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser, which could result in your computer being attacked by criminals.  This bug is being actively exploited by criminals at present.

What we recommend you do

The problem can be easily fixed by downloading and installing the following temporary fix from Microsoft:

http://blogs.technet.com/srd/archive/2009/07/06/new-vulnerability-in-mpeg2tunerequest-activex-control-object-in-msvidctl-dll.aspx

The following guidelines are also recommended to help keep you safe:

1) Be careful which web sites you visit. Keep browsing to only web sites you know and trust.

2) If you do not wish to install the temporary fix mentioned above, consider using an alternate web browser (Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari are two such browsers) until a patch becomes available. If you choose to install a different web browser remember to click "yes" when it asks to be set as the default. The following guidelines will assist you in setting the default browser if you are not prompted to do so, or already have another browser installed that is not the default:

http://www.ssoalertservice.net.au/content/doc/January_2009.pdf

3) As always, run an up-to-date Anti-virus product.

Where you can find more information

Microsoft have released a Security Advisory about the problem. They will probably also post details about patches here once they are available.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/972890.mspx

Disclaimer

This Alert has been prepared by AusCERT for the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

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