Microsoft Releases Emergency Security Patch

Microsoft has discovered a Windows security vulnerability dangerous enough that it's released an “out-of-cycle” security patch for the first time since April 2007, reports the Tech Herald. The weakness could allow a computer worm to spread malware around networks.

The company’s rare deviations from its monthly patch release cycle generally come when hackers have already been attacking Windows PCs. The patch is rated as critical for Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and as important for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. (More Microsoft stories.)