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Microsoft Patches Fix IE, Sony Flaws
An anonymous reader writes "Microsoft issued two security updates today, one of which fixes at least four flaws in its Internet Explorer browser, including one for which an exploit was released over Thanksgiving that is now being used by a handful of porn sites to install spyware, etc. According to Washingtonpost.com, the IE patch also removes a component left behind by a patch from Sony BMG designed to remove some of the more dangerous features of anti-piracy software installed by Sony BMG music CDs. Researchers found that the Sony patch changed settings in IE so that any Web site could install software on those machines."
If Microsoft released a patch right away, administrators would complain they are patching too often and forcing them to test internal software more.
If Microsoft waits for the patch cycle, slashdotters complain Microsoft is purposely holding out so that they can sell anti-virus
And normal computer users, they don't patch so it really does matter
HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray, Xbox 360 vs. PS3, and then there's Microsoft's move into the music business. Must say there's not many things more satisfying than pointing out (and fixing) the wrongdoings of the "competition" -- ain't that right, fellow slashbots?
Of course Microsoft wants to appear as the Knight in Shining Armour who saved us from the Evil Sony.
Who has just invested millions in the launch of a games console, and who is the current leader in that arena?
"Nine times out of ten, starting a fire is not the best way to solve the problem." - my wife
Will people remember this farce and say thanks but no thanks to Blu-Ray because they're not sure what the drivers will do to their computer? And if you can't trust Sony's Blu-Ray drivers, who's to say the HD-DVD drivers will be any safer?
It would be ironic if somebody at Sony who was worried about selling a few copies of a country-western CD ended up jeopardizing a billion dollar market.