'Critical' Windows Hijack Flaw Reported

Security researchers have discovered a serious boundary error vulnerability in multiple versions of Microsoft's Windows platform and warned that attackers could hijack systems via Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer (IE).

Rodrigo Gutierrez, a researcher with Trustix AS, notified Microsoft of the flaw with a warning that it could be exploited by malicious attackers to cause a buffer overflow and lead to system takeover.

Microsoft confirmed Gutierrez's findings in an advisory and recommended users install the latest service packs for Windows XP and Windows 2000. The software giant said the hole was fixed in the service packs but independent security consultants Secunia said the vulnerability "has been confirmed on fully patched systems running Windows XP and Windows 2000."

Secunia rates the flaw as "highly critical" and urged Windows XP and Windows 2000 users to restrict traffic in border routers and firewalls as a temporary workaround. Users could also disable the "Client for Microsoft Networks" for network cards to impact file sharing functionality.

The flaw also reportedly affects Windows 95, 98, and Me and Secunia said it was unknown whether Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2003 were at risk.

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