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Microsoft, zlib, and Security Flaws

Posted by timothy on from the not-the-security-initiative-we-had-in-mind dept.

nakhla writes: "News.com is reporting that Microsoft's use of code from the open-source zlib library has led to possible security problems. The flaws in zlib were reported recently, and apply to several key Microsoft technologies, such as DirectX, Front Page, Install Shield, Office, and Internet Explorer. The article also mentions how this is not Microsoft's first use of open-source code in its software, but does point out that since zlib is not GPL'd they are under no obligation to release the source code to any of their products."

2 of 470 comments (clear)

  1. XP Users will be A-OK by GoodChristian · · Score: -1, Redundant

    I realize that as time goes by many fixes will be needed for WinXP.
    Fortunatly, it has a pretty cool feature called Windows Update. It scans your system and tells you what fixes you need.
    Even cooler is that it will also look for fixes that your other programs and hardware need - like new drivers for your vid card or an update to Office.
    They also keep a record of all the fixes and updates that you have installed and makes it easy for you to remove them. So far my system has had 26 upgrades.
    So I am sure that when and if a fix is needed, XP users will get it extra fast.
    On a side note, I was always a cathedral fan. Proof? Name one DECENT game that was produced with OSS. Yep, thought so.

  2. Bugin open source software! blame microsoft... by fortinbras47 · · Score: 0, Redundant

    "Bug found in open source software"
    And so Microsoft gets ranted against?

    I know Microsoft has lots of security flaws, but subscribe to bugtraq, debian security etc... and linux has a LOT of bugs too. Seriously people...