Microsoft Warns Of Security Exploit Similar To WannaCry; Releases Patch For Windows 7 And Earlier

Microsoft is warning all users of Windows 7 or earlier to update their PCs in response to a vulnerability discovered in the operating system.  This vulnerability, the company said in a blog post, propagates in a way that’s similar to the WannaCry ransomware from two years ago.

Specifically, this vulnerability is “wormable”, or able to propagate from one vulnerable PC to another, and without user interaction. While Microsoft has not yet seen any case of this vulnerability being exploited, it is likely that hackers will incorporate an exploit for this vulnerability into new malware.

The company also stated that PCs running Windows 8 and Windows 10 are not affected by this vulnerability. This is not the case for older versions of the operating system, like Windows 7, Server 2008 and Server 2008 R2. The company is also backporting a patch for this vulnerability to versions that are no longer supported, such as Windows 2003 and XP.

For those who are affected, Microsoft has provided download links for the OS in question. They can be found in the source link below, near the end of the page.

(Source: Microsoft via Ars Technica)

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