Microsoft releases fix for Internet Explorer

Following hackers exploitation of IE security flaw, Microsoft has released an emergency software fix on Tuesday.

06:50 19 September 2013

On Tuesday, Microsoft has released an emergency software fix for IE following hackers’ exploitation of the web browser’s security flaw to attack users. In the company’s website, the software maker said that “Fix It” was launched to address problems involving hackers exploiting newly discovered bug to protect customers. It added that attackers might possibly create websites to exploit the vulnerability and run malicious code on users’ computers.

For this reason, Microsoft’s Dustin Childs, have advised users to take precautionary measures and recommended changing IE settings to prompt users before running active scripting in a blog post.

Dana Tamir, director at security company Trusteer, told the BBC: "This is a serious vulnerability potentially affecting millions of Windows computers.”

"Hackers are already exploiting this so I hope Microsoft produces a full patch within a few days.”

Reacting on Microsoft’s temporary fix, she said: "This temporary workaround is like applying a Band-Aid to a wound.”

Microsoft had been forced to rewrite four of its security updates last week just three days after they had been issued after customers complained about receiving notifications to install the updates even after they had already done so.