<+> Patch for MS04-007 Today!!!!<+>

From: Jeff Middleton [SBS-MVP] (jeff_at_cfisolutions.com)
Date: 02/16/04 

Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 08:25:18 -0600

Do NOT DELAY!!

I've prepared a sample email you can use to forward to customer, family and
friends to notify them to obtain and install this patch. I know all of us
need something like to send people, so I'm sharing the one I wrote for my
needs.

Feb 15, 2004

An ~extremely~ critical security software update was made available last
week by Microsoft. Every Windows 2000/XP/NT computer has a design flaw
vulnerability which Microsoft acknowledged by releasing this patch. Though
there is no virus/worm known currently in circulation yet to attack this
flaw, don't panic but you should protect your computer by installing the
update in the next day or so. Go to WindowsUpdate if you are familiar with
that method of update and install all currently offered "Critical Updates
and Security Packs". Issue 828028 is the item involved in this matter.

The balance of this message expands more detailed information than stated
above, so if the first paragraph made sense to you, you don't really need to
read the rest of this unless you are curious.
If you want a news story, this one covers it:

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/biztech/02/10/microsoft.flaw.reut/index.html

* * * * * * * * * * * *

The nature of the vulnerability could be exploited to potentially gain full
control of a system remotely, a firewall would not provide protection to
certain exploit methods, nor would anti-virus provide protection in such
cases. Installing this patch is the only appropriate defense because it
corrects the flaw itself. It's very important to understand that this is a
simple preventative step to take now while there is no virus/worm yet in
circulation attacking this flaw.

This is a very unusual flaw of the most serious nature, arguably ranks in a
top 5 flaws in Windows history. What you need to do about it is pretty
simple, takes just a minute or two if your computer has high-speed web
access and is periodically being updated at WindowsUpdate.

WindowsUpdate will provide the patch if you are familiar with that method of
updating. The patch is Q828028, aka: MS04-007 depending upon what resource
reference is being indicated. Your concern should be most specifically first
about protecting your home computer, or personal laptop. Tell your friends
to take these steps as well.

For your business computers, check with whomever maintains them to determine
if you need to take any action to protect it, or if they will act on your
behalf.

** You should go to Microsoft's website to directly obtain and install this
patch. Never open an email claiming to be a patch from Microsoft because
Microsoft NEVER emails patch files or updates. **

You can reach WindowsUpdate at www.microsoft.com/windowsupdate.

Follow the screen prompt instructions to "Scan for Updates" on your system
for missing patches, then accept and install all "Critical Updates and
Security Packs" patches offered. If none are offered to you, then you likely
have the patch already installed by an automatic update method configured on
your computer. If you visit WindowsUpdate frequently, you should find this
patch to be small and install in a minute or two, then require a reboot. If
you do not frequently update your computer, you may find it takes an hour or
more to obtain the patches over high-speed connection.

Relevant Pages

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  • Re: <+> Patch for MS04-007 Today!!!!<+>
    ... > vulnerability which Microsoft acknowledged by releasing this patch. ... > that method of update and install all currently offered "Critical Updates ... > access and is periodically being updated at WindowsUpdate. ... > if you need to take any action to protect it, or if they will act on your ...
    (microsoft.public.backoffice.smallbiz)
  • Re: <+> Patch for MS04-007 Today!!!!<+>
    ... > vulnerability which Microsoft acknowledged by releasing this patch. ... > that method of update and install all currently offered "Critical Updates ... > access and is periodically being updated at WindowsUpdate. ... > if you need to take any action to protect it, or if they will act on your ...
    (microsoft.public.backoffice.smallbiz2000)
  • Re: <+> Patch for MS04-007 Today!!!!<+>
    ... > vulnerability which Microsoft acknowledged by releasing this patch. ... > that method of update and install all currently offered "Critical Updates ... > access and is periodically being updated at WindowsUpdate. ... > if you need to take any action to protect it, or if they will act on your ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.server.sbs)
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    ... install of Solaris 10 11/06. ... However, once the package list is done, I see a worrisome message: ... Below is the complete console output of the patch run. ... Changes for package SUNWnfsskr will not be applied to the system. ...
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