Vulnerabilities and Patches

The vulnerability lies in the Windows Virtual DOS Machine (VDM) subsystem.

By  Kara Reeder | Jan 21, 2010
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Microsoft is warning users of a 17-year-old bug in the kernel of all 32-bit versions of Windows that hackers could use to hijack PCs, reports Computerworld.

The vulnerability, which was discovered by Google engineer Tavis Ormandy, lies in the Windows Virtual DOS Machine (VDM) subsystem. The advisory instructs users to disable VDM as a workaround.

Microsoft says it is not aware of any attacks using the vulnerability, but explains:

An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code in kernel mode. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.

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