Microsoft warns against Windows XP security update hack

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    Microsoft warns against Windows XP security update hack


    Posted: 28 May 2014
    Microsoft has warned against using a hack that allows Windows XP to continue to receive important security updates after Microsoft withdrew support in April.

    The hack tricks Microsoft’s update servers into applying security patches to Microsoft’s 13-year-old Windows XP. A small change within Windows XP makes it appear as other versions of Windows that are still supported until 2019.

    Microsoft warned that Windows XP customers may face problems if they install the updates. “The security updates that could be installed are intended for Windows Embedded and Windows Server 2003 customers and do not fully protect Windows XP customers,” Microsoft said in a statement released to ZDnet. “Windows XP customers also run a significant risk of functionality issues with their machines if they install these updates, as they are not tested against Windows XP.”
    Source

    A Guy
    A Guy's Avatar Posted By: A Guy
    28 May 2014



  1. Posts : 8,375
    W7 Ultimate x64/W10 Pro x64/W11 Pro Triple Boot - Main PC W7 Remote PC Micro ATX W7 Pro x64/W11 Pro
       #1

    I am at no surprise at the warning not to apply anything new regarding any existing XP installs presently in use since MS is now finished with all support. Anything found now in regards to updates could easily be some form of malware!
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 82
    Windows 7 Professional x64
       #2

    Night Hawk said:
    I am at no surprise at the warning not to apply anything new regarding any existing XP installs presently in use since MS is now finished with all support. Anything found now in regards to updates could easily be some form of malware!
    That's not how this works. It tricks Windows Updates into thinking the computer is running Windows Server 2003 or Windows Embedded, both of which are built on the same base kernel as Windows XP, but have different features and such. It's still not possible to install malware via windows updates without being previously infected.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2,497
    Windows 7 Pro 64 bit
       #3

    Microsoft warns against Windows XP security update hack
    This does not surprise me at all. By their very nature Windows updates are very OS specific. While closely related, XP Embedded and Server 2003 are not the same as XP. When an OS misrepresents itself to Windows Update you can expect that things will not work as designed. I expect that now that Microsoft knows about this hack they will modify Windows Update to prevent this from working.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 4,049
    W7 Ultimate SP1, LM19.2 MATE, W10 Home 1703, W10 Pro 1703 VM, #All 64 bit
       #4

    LMiller7 said:
    I expect that now that Microsoft knows about this hack they will modify Windows Update to prevent this from working.
    Of course it would enhance their reputation for being arrogant "scumbags" too.

    Just like when MS discovered that people were eliminating Metro (from the W8 Previews) in favour of the traditional Start menu.
    Instead of taking the hint, they went "all in" and ripped the Start menu code out.

    It was a "great call" because it has lead to W8 becoming a runaway success ...
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 4,566
    Windows 10 Pro
       #5

    lehnerus2000 said:
    It was a "great call" because it has lead to W8 becoming a runaway success ...
    That's a good one
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,606
    Windows `10 Professional 64bit
       #6

    I can hardly control my laughter.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 27
    Kali Linux, Custom OS's
       #7

    These update will sneak past any firewall no matter how 'maxxed' it is. Very strange, May be the work of many, Not necessarily Microsoft themselves. Like they would admit that there servers have been hacked tho
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 173
    Win7 64
       #8

    I thought that M$ only acknowledges a hack us when they finally work out a plug for it....
    Until then, M$ remain silent.


    Or am I just being cynical in my old age.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 27
    Kali Linux, Custom OS's
       #9

    I ran this hack trying to pin what remote servers the update comes from but they are all silent updates which rings my bells as nsa or similar
      My Computer


 
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