Windows XP KB4500331 patches severe security vulnerabilities

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Published onMay 19, 2019

published onMay 19, 2019

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Microsoft recently released a criticalupdate(KB4500331) to patch a remote code execution vulnerability inWindows XP. It’s been years since Microsoft ended official support for the operating system.

The fact that the company released this patch shows just how severe thisvulnerabilitywas. You can imagine the nature of the bug that forced Microsoft to release a critical security patch forWindows XPand Windows Server 2003 after 5 years.

The tech giant released the update for devices runningWindows XP, Windows 7, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Server 2008 to fix a “wormable”vulnerability.

However, there is an issue associated with thisupdate, as it is not available via Windows Update.Windows XPusers need to manually install the patch from Microsoft’s website.

Download KB4500331

You can simply visitMicrosoft’s Update Catalogto download KB4500331 for Windows Server 2003 or WindowsXP.

However, the patch is available to Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7 users via Windows Update. Moreover, Microsoft confirmed that Windows 8 and Windows 10 users remain safe from the bug.

No threats so far

Although Microsoft has not seen any serious security threats, the company is taking all necessary measures to prevent hackers from exploiting this secyrity vulnerability.

If exploited, this security problem can lead to anotherWannaCry-style malware attack. The Redmond giant says that devices that have network level authentication are safe from these threats at least to some extent.

We’re sure no one forgot the horribleWannaCry outbreak and its impact on users around the world. That is why the company didn’t want to take any risks and fall into the trap once again.

The attackers know that most Windows users (both individual and enterprise users) avoid Windows updates or at least postpone installing them. The update process can sometimesturn into a messspecifically for large organizations.

Attackers can potentially take advantage of similar situations to inject malware that can spread from one PC to another. Microsoft warns its users by stating that:

However, affected systems are still vulnerable to Remote Code Execution (RCE) exploitation if the attacker has valid credentials that can be used to successfully authenticate.

The company recommendsWindows XPusers to install the latestupdatesto block any potential attacks. Or better yet, to upgrade to the latest Windows 10 OS version.

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Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

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Windows XP KB4500331 patches severe security vulnerabilities#

Download KB4500331#

No threats so far#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Windows XP KB4500331 patches severe security vulnerabilities

Download KB4500331

No threats so far