HomeWinBuzzer NewsMicrosoft Patches Unsupported Windows XP over Fears of Wormable WannaCry-like Malware

Microsoft Patches Unsupported Windows XP over Fears of Wormable WannaCry-like Malware

A major exploit for older versions of Microsoft's OS has caused the tech giant to patch Windows XP. Without the mitigations, it could be used to spread malware between devices.

-

In a somewhat out-of-character move, has released a security update for , an OS that's officially out of support. The tech giant released a statement on Tuesday about a Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability in older versions of Windows.

The flaw is present in Remote Desktop Services and affects Windows Server 2008 and 2003, Windows 7, and Windows XP. Frighteningly, the vulnerability requires no user interaction and is pre-authentication. This means attackers could craft ‘wormable' malware that spreads across devices.

“Any future malware that exploits this vulnerability could propagate from vulnerable computer to vulnerable computer in a similar way as the  malware spread across the globe in 2017,” explained Microsoft in a support article. “While we have observed no exploitation of this vulnerability, it is highly likely that malicious actors will write an exploit for this vulnerability and incorporate it into their malware.”

WannaCry spread quickly across the globe last year after starting in the United Kingdom and Spain. At its peak, it had infection over 230,000 computers, locking down computers unless users paid a ransom. It affected a swathe of important originations from Britain's National Health Service to FedEx and Telefonica.

There's no indication that malware targeting the new vulnerability is currently spreading, but Microsoft warns that it could if users don't act. In support customers with automatic updates will be safe already, and those with it turned off can get updates via the normal route.

Out of Support Mitigations

For out-of-support OSes like Windows 2003 and XP, Microsoft recommends upgrading to . However, it has reluctantly provided a security update, which you can download here.

Microsoft was previously accused of withholding Windows XP patches for WannaCry for too long. Some argued that the company has a responsibility to stop the spread of such malware. This time, it appears the company agrees. Not patching Windows XP would make it easier for malware to spread to in-support customers who haven't had the chance to update.

It's also worth noting that while systems with Network Level Authentication (NLA) are mitigated somewhat, they aren't invulnerable. The feature simply removes the pre-authentication aspect of the vulnerability, and attackers that gained credentials via other means can still execute code.

As well as the emergency release, Microsoft's recent Patch Tuesday fixes issues across SQL Server, , Adobe Flash, and many other programs. Users should make sure they have both to be fully safe.

SourceMicrosoft
Ryan Maskell
Ryan Maskellhttps://ryanmaskell.co.uk
Ryan has had a passion for gaming and technology since early childhood. Fusing the skills from his Creative Writing and Publishing degree with profound technical knowledge, he enjoys covering news about Microsoft. As an avid writer, he is also working on his debut novel.

Recent News