Urgent security update for Microsoft Internet Explorer

Microsoft just released an urgent security update for Internet Explorer on all currently supported versions of Windows.

Security update for Internet Explorer (MS08-078) resolves a publicly disclosed vulnerability. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user views a specially crafted Web page using Internet Explorer. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.

The vulnerability is addressed by modifying the way Internet Explorer validates data binding parameters and handles the error resulting in the exploitable condition. Microsoft recommends that customers apply the update immediately.

This security update is rated Critical for Internet Explorer 5.01, Internet Explorer 6, Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1, and Internet Explorer 7. For information about Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2, do check the FAQ section in the previously linked Microsoft document.

Update: Linked Microsoft document sometimes shows a note saying “We are sorry, the page you requested cannot be found.” Try refreshing the page a couple of times and the data will show. It could be some kind of a server issue because of the heavy load.