Threat Level: Orange

If you have not updated your computer recently, now would be a good time to do it. It is quite common for the bad guys to ramp up their efforts of exploiting machines during the few days following an update being published; don't get caught with your pants down.

Microsoft Security Advisory (958963)

Exploit Code Published Affecting the Server Service

Published: October 27, 2008

Microsoft is aware that detailed exploit code demonstrating code execution has been published on the Internet for the vulnerability that is addressed by security update MS08-067. This exploit code demonstrates code execution on Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003. Microsoft is aware of limited, targeted active attacks that use this exploit code. At this time, there are no self-replicating attacks associated with this vulnerability. Microsoft has activated its Software Security Incident Response Process (SSIRP) and is continuing to investigate this issue.

Our investigation of this exploit code has verified that it does not affect customers who have installed the updates detailed in MS08-067 on their computers.  Microsoft continues to recommend that customers apply the updates to the affected products by enabling the Automatic Updates feature in Windows.

This security advisory follow on the heels of Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-067 - Critical which was published October 23, 2008 and in part had this to say.

This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in the Server service. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if an affected system received a specially crafted RPC request. On Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 systems, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability without authentication to run arbitrary code. It is possible that this vulnerability could be used in the crafting of a wormable exploit. Firewall best practices and standard default firewall configurations can help protect network resources from attacks that originate outside the enterprise perimeter. This security update is rated Critical for all supported editions of Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and rated Important for all supported editions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.

Get updated using Internet Explorer and logged on as an Administrator, go to the Windows Update site. Do it now!

Read the full Microsoft Security Advisory (958963)