Word exploit on the loose

Security experts are warning the public not to open untrusted Microsoft Office documents after a exploit for a flaw in some versions of Word was discovered.

Microsoft Word 2000, part of Office 2000, has a vulnerability within its code that could allow hackers to take control of a system remotely.

This means an attacker could effectively hijack a PC and turn it into a 'spambot' - a PC that sends hundreds of spam emails to other people without the owner's knowledge.

Security firm Secunia have rated the flaw as 'extremely critical', which means that there are already reports of the vulnerability being exploited by malicious hackers.

As yet, there is no patch to solve the problem, and Windows users are likely to have to wait until 13 February for a solution, when Microsoft releases its regular monthly updates.

Secunia has only received reports of Word 2000 being attacked so far, but it said the flaw may affect other versions of Word as well.

Web User will bring you more news as we receive it.

http://secunia.com/
http://www.microsoft.com/security/

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