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Topic: Security

Microsoft to release 'critical' Windows 8, IE10 patches

Summary: Microsoft's upcoming Patch Tuesday security update will fix five critical holes that could lead to remote code execution, including in the recently released Windows 8 operating system.

Sam Shead

By |

Microsoft will release critical Windows 8 and Windows RT security updates for Internet Explorer 10 as part of its latest series of software updates. 

Read this

Windows 8: It's only one part of Microsoft's brave new world

Windows 8: It's only one part of Microsoft's brave new world

Microsoft announced on Thursday that it will release seven updates in total for the December edition of its monthly Patch Tuesday security update cycle. 

Five of seven updates are ranked as 'critical' and could lead to remote code execution, Microsoft said. 

One of the two other updates could also have led to remote code execution, but is rated as 'important' rather than critical. The last is also rated as 'important' and could result in the bypass of security features of Windows Server 2008 R2 and 2012.

Many of the vulnerabilities are present on different Microsoft platforms, with five of the vulnerabilities directly affecting Windows 8 and Windows RT. Of these five updates, two are critical and one of these directly affects Internet Explorer 10. Critical updates for Microsoft's Office Suite will also be available to download on Tuesday.

Other affected platforms include: Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2012.

Topics: Security, Microsoft, Windows, Windows 8

About

Sam is generally at his happiest with a new piece of technology in his hands or nailing down an exclusive story. In the past he's written for The Engineer and the Daily Mail. These days, Sam is particularly interested in emerging technology, datacentres, cloud, storage and web start-ups.

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33 comments
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  • Widely used Internet Explorer 10?

    IE 10's market share is in the low single digits (at best).
    Rabid Howler Monkey
    Reply 2 Votes

    • According to netmarketshare

      It's at about half a percent.
      Michael Alan Goff
      Reply 2 Votes

    • your point?

      What is your point?
      schultzycom
      Reply 1 Vote

      • I should have put my subject line in quotes

        "Widely used Internet Explorer 10"

        Because this is what was originally written in the article. The article language was modified in the 5th paragraph and now reads, correctly:

        "Internet Explorer 10"

        P.S. It really would be nice if ZDNet tracked article changes via edit tags.
        Rabid Howler Monkey
        Reply Vote

  • But, But, But...

    Windows 8 is the most secure Windows yet.

    Too F'N funny!!

    p.s. Windows 7 + Aero FTW!!
    Arm A. Geddon
    Reply 1 Vote

    • I bet you didn't know this

      But Windows 7 got patches a month after it came out as well.

      >_>

      Sorry to ruin a good rant with facts.
      Michael Alan Goff
      Reply 1 Vote

      • And I guess you don't know...

        sarcasm if it was in front of your nose.

        Btw, I say Windows 7 FTW because I believe it's going to be around just like WindowsXP.
        Arm A. Geddon
        Reply 1 Vote

        • I doubt it

          Windows XP had the benefit of the downgrade.

          I don't see Microsoft making that mistake again. When the current batch of Windows 7 computers are gone, they'll be gone for good likely.
          Michael Alan Goff
          Reply 1 Vote

          • We'll just have to wait and see.

            http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2012/12/01/can-you-buy-windows-7-pc/1736529/
            Arm A. Geddon
            Reply 1 Vote

          • I'd guess

            They're just clearing out remaining stock.

            Why not? They bought the licenses, now they're going to throw them at us and hope for the best.
            Michael Alan Goff
            Reply 1 Vote

    • Windows 8

      Does have Aero, the only thing removed is the least usefukl part of it, Aero Glass.
      sjaak327
      Reply 1 Vote

      • Re: Aero Glass

        I believe that's what I'm referring to.
        Arm A. Geddon
        Reply 1 Vote

        • Aero glass

          is actually the only thing I miss from Windows 7
          Michael Alan Goff
          Reply 2 Votes

          • Current Windows 7 laptop desktop.

            http://www.wincustomize.com/explore/windowblinds/7792/

            Lovin it. ;-)
            Arm A. Geddon
            Reply 1 Vote

          • I have to admit

            that looks pretty awesome.
            Michael Alan Goff
            Reply 2 Votes

  • I'm looking to switch to a different desktop OS

    My biggest requirement is that it must be perfect on launch day and must never have had any patches released for it and a promise from the manufacturer that there will never be any patches ever released for it in the future.

    Looking forward to choosing from the dozens of desktop OSs that I know our vocal ZDNet talkback community will come up with.

    Thanks in advance.
    toddbottom3
    Reply 5 Votes

    • toddbottom3...that OS belongs to that guy that walks on water

      So I don't think you will be getting one.....you must fish.....you sure did use some good bait ......you should get some replys soon..........maybe even one from Loverock davidson........
      Linux_Lives
      Reply 1 Vote

      • Speaking of LD...

        Some of his posts seem to be "gone" (temporarily?) at the moment. I already miss them; he's one of the most amusing participants in this forum!
        Smalahove
        Reply 1 Vote

    • Close to what you want.

      I recently installed Linux Mint 14 (now available as 14.1 with some minor changes for convenience). I immediately ran the update manager to get the green check mark and it hasn't needed an update in a while.

      It's set up to also update installed software at the same time, and not running it has never created problems in 11 years of use. It works great on my dual core HP with 2GB ATI 16X PCI graphics card.

      But I have never used AV with Linux either. It might be worth a try now.
      Joe.Smetona
      Reply Vote

  • A critical patch for Win8?

    So it erases all the bits and reinstalls WinXP?
    Vesicant
    Reply 4 Votes
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