[ISN] Microsoft server glitch prevents users from downloading critical security patches for Windows

From: InfoSec News (isnat_private)
Date: Tue Jan 15 2002 - 22:05:29 PST

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    http://www.nandotimes.com/technology/story/219517p-2121371c.html
    
    SEATTLE (January 15, 2002 2:38 p.m. EST) - A Microsoft server software
    glitch left some users unable to download crucial security patches and
    other fixes for Windows software, a Microsoft official said Monday.
    
    The glitch was expected to be fixed by Tuesday, Microsoft spokesman
    Jim Cullinan said.
    
    Problems began last Thursday when the Redmond-based software giant
    attempted to update the software that routs users to appropriate
    servers to download patches and fixes, Cullinan said.
    
    A glitch in the update left some of the hundreds of millions of
    Windows users unable to download any data at all, Cullinan said.  
    Microsoft heard sporadic complaints beginning Friday, but it was
    unclear how many users experienced problems.
    
    The problem came as security experts, including the FBI, are
    encouraging users of Windows XP - the latest version of Microsoft's
    desktop operating system - to download a patch to fix a serious
    security vulnerability discovered last month.
    
    The vulnerability could allow hackers to steal or destroy a victim's
    data files across the Internet or implant rogue computer software.  
    That glitch was considered unusually serious because it could allow
    hackers to seize control of all Windows XP operating system software
    without requiring a computer user to do anything except connect to the
    Internet.
    
    The problem also affects some copies of earlier Windows ME software,
    and in some rare cases can affect users of Windows 98.
    
    Microsoft technicians were reverting to the old server routing
    software, Cullinan said, and the update site was expected to be
    running normally by Tuesday morning.
    
    
    
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