Update: US-CERT Records Internet Explorer Security Advisory
An unpatched security hole in Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) browser has triggered an advisory that is now recorded with the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT).
Microsoft's security advisory was recorded with US-CERT as VU#493881 on December 11. Vulnerability was found in IE 7, but IE 5.01 SP4, IE 6 and IE 8 Beta2 are also potentially affected. The Vulnerability Note includes a number of possible workarounds.
The actual Security Advisory 961051 from Microsoft also includes the so-called Disable XML Island and Disable Row Position functionality workarounds. The problem came about through an error in the browser's XML parser that can cause IE to exit unexpectedly in a state that is exploitable from a specially prepared website. IE users affected by the bug will need to wait until the next monthly security update from Microsoft.
Update: Microsoft has since released a Security Bulletin Summary so that users don't need to wait until the next monthly update In January. The bulletin with the out-of-band patch covers two security issues, including the XML parser bug described in this article. Microsoft, in their usual fashion, accompanied the to-do with webcasts and advance notification.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.