Microsoft updates Windows XP for critical Internet Explorer bug despite end of life

Microsoft updates Windows XP for critical Internet Explorer bug despite end of life
Last week, we reported that Microsoft had confirmed a zero-day vulnerability that put a large portion of the world's computer users at risk. The exploit affects Internet Explorer 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 and Windows XP users are especially vulnerable since the company no longer supports the operating system.

Despite the OS being end-of-life (EOL), Microsoft has released an update for Windows XP (and everyone else).



Via Microsoft's blog post:

The security of our products is something we take incredibly seriously, so the news coverage of the last few days about a vulnerability in Internet Explorer (IE) has been tough for our customers and for us. We take a huge amount of pride that, among widely used browsers, IE is the safest in the world due to its secure development and ability to protect customers, even in the face of cybercriminals who want to break it.


The update hit this morning via automatic update or you can get it manually.

Adds Microsoft:

Even though Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft and is past the time we normally provide security updates, we've decided to provide an update for all versions of Windows XP (including embedded), today. We made this exception based on the proximity to the end of support for Windows XP. The reality is there have been a very small number of attacks based on this particular vulnerability and concerns were, frankly, overblown. Unfortunately this is a sign of the times and this is not to say we don't take these reports seriously. We absolutely do.

Just because this update is out now doesn't mean you should stop thinking about getting off Windows XP and moving to a newer version of Windows and the latest version of Internet Explorer. If you are on Windows 7, upgrade to Internet Explorer 11. Our modern operating systems provide more safety and security than ever before. The latest version of Internet Explorer has increased support for modern web standards, better performance, and expanded the ability to deliver an immersive experience from within the browser. In other words, cool stuff that you need even if you didn't know you need it.


In other words, we've got you this time XP users, but it's still time to move to the modern era.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 1 May 2014 20:38
Tags
Windows XP Internet Explorer vulnerability
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  • 20 comments
  • ivymike

    Kewl!!! XP has some life left in it yet!!!

    1.5.2014 21:47 #1

  • aldan

    no life left there.

    2.5.2014 00:29 #2

  • ddp

    i still use it even tho i also have a win7 computer that uses ie8.

    2.5.2014 12:13 #3

  • 2oldGeek

    Originally posted by ddp: i still use it even tho i also have a win7 computer that uses ie8.
    Why don't you update that sucker?
    I understand the XP but not the 7.
    Just got Security Update (KB2964358) IE 11 for Win 7 Today.

    2.5.2014 13:57 #4

  • Mrguss

    Originally posted by 2oldGeek: Originally posted by ddp: i still use it even tho i also have a win7 computer that uses ie8.
    Why don't you update that sucker?
    I understand the XP but not the 7.
    Just got Security Update (KB2964358) IE 11 for Win 7 Today.
    Probably 'cos he don't want to lose his bookmarks.
    Just like it happen when we upgrade our other browsers.

    Live Free or Die.
    The rule above all the rules is: Survive !
    Capitalism: Funnel most of the $$$ to the already rich.

    2.5.2014 16:42 #5

  • 2oldGeek

    Originally posted by Mrguss: Originally posted by 2oldGeek: Originally posted by ddp: i still use it even tho i also have a win7 computer that uses ie8.
    Why don't you update that sucker?
    I understand the XP but not the 7.
    Just got Security Update (KB2964358) IE 11 for Win 7 Today.
    Probably 'cos he don't want to lose his bookmarks. just like it happen when we upgrade our other browsers !?
    You don't loose bookmarks by updating. Or maybe you do, if careless.. IMHO

    2.5.2014 16:49 #6

  • Mrguss

    Originally posted by 2oldGeek: Originally posted by Mrguss: Originally posted by 2oldGeek: Originally posted by ddp: i still use it even tho i also have a win7 computer that uses ie8.
    Why don't you update that sucker?
    I understand the XP but not the 7.
    Just got Security Update (KB2964358) IE 11 for Win 7 Today.
    Probably 'cos he don't want to lose his bookmarks. just like it happen when we upgrade our other browsers !?
    You don't loose bookmarks by updating. Or maybe you do, if careless.. IMHO
    Some Browsers have Auto-Bookmarks-Transfer, but not all. Or sometimes the machine is not working properly.

    ...course you can go back and grab your "outdated browser" at any time.

    Just saying.

    Live Free or Die.
    The rule above all the rules is: Survive !
    Capitalism: Funnel most of the $$$ to the already rich.

    2.5.2014 16:59 #7

  • 2oldGeek

    Originally posted by Mrguss: Some Browsers have Auto-Bookmarks-Transfer, but not all. Or sometimes the machine is not working properly.
    I'm sorry Mrguss, I thought we were talking about IE, and not other browsers, and as far as I know you can keep your bookmarks when updating. I don't think you can update on XP but 7 is a different story.... I hope I don't sound like Hearme0' I took my meds this morning. ROFL

    2.5.2014 17:18 #8

  • Mrguss

    I stop using IE long-long time ago.
    ..move to Opera; then Firefox & now I'm on Tor or sometimes Pale Moon (Mozilla too).- 'cos is quicker that Opera & have Auto-Bookmarks-Transfer when you upgrade, even when you're using an XP machine. :)

    I know that XP maybe to old for U.S. but still the most popular around the world even today.

    INTERACTIVE: Click on Windows > XP ...then W-7
    https://www.google.com/trends/explore#q=linux,windows,mac

    ...you can also compare XP & W-7 side to side tho.

    Live Free or Die.
    The rule above all the rules is: Survive !
    Capitalism: Funnel most of the $$$ to the already rich.

    2.5.2014 17:53 #9

  • 2oldGeek

    Originally posted by Mrguss: I stop using IE long-long time ago.
    ..move to Opera; then Firefox & now I'm on Tor or sometimes Pale Moon (Mozilla too) 'cos is quicker that Opera :)
    Yeah, I have gone through all of them but stuck with Firefox since it first came out. I don't use Tor, Anonymox plugin for FF is much faster. I do not use anything associated with Google, no Chrome or Google search, I use Startpage HTTPS for searches it doesn't keep your IP address and uses a secure connection with Google and doesn't keep a record of your searches. Also use Self destructing cookies and Disconnect to block any trackers..

    I like living under a rock, no one knows who I am. lol Speaking of that, I had a Pet Rock. She was a sweet little thing but one day I found a litter of pebbles on my desk and knew there were no male rocks in my house. Then I saw the brick that I used for a door stop Grinning...

    2.5.2014 18:25 #10

  • Mrguss

    Tor use Firefox tho.
    Duckduckgo for searching
    HTTPS from EFF
    Yup. Disconnect & Ghostery, etc.
    But also commands with cmd like: netstat -ano for hackers, etc.

    ...a fossil count as a paper weight on my desk !?

    Live Free or Die.
    The rule above all the rules is: Survive !
    Capitalism: Funnel most of the $$$ to the already rich.

    2.5.2014 18:47 #11

  • 2oldGeek

    Originally posted by Mrguss:

    ...a fossil count as a paper wight on my desk !?

    If I can count my Brick Door Stop, you should be able to count your Fossil Paper Weight!

    2.5.2014 19:51 #12

  • Emudude1963

    Thats because there are more XP users than Vista, 7, and 8/8.1 combined.

    2.5.2014 19:52 #13

  • 2oldGeek

    Originally posted by Emudude1963: Thats because there are more XP users than Vista, 7, and 8/8.1 combined. I don't believe that. what's your basis for it??

    2.5.2014 19:56 #14

  • ddp

    2oldGeek, don't like ie9 & above. have used firefox & chrome but out of those 2 will use firefox but prefer ie.

    2.5.2014 21:57 #15

  • 2oldGeek

    Originally posted by ddp: 2oldGeek, don't like ie9 & above. have used firefox & chrome but out of those 2 will use firefox but prefer ie. just don't let FF update to v29. It has problems I just got rid of it and went back to v28. 29 looks like ugg Chrome...

    2.5.2014 22:07 #16

  • ddp

    i've actually have an older one v3.6.8 but not currently installed since reloading this xp computer early last year.

    2.5.2014 22:15 #17

  • 2oldGeek

    LOL you guys that are still hanging onto XP and FF 3 have been living under a rock tooo long.. :D

    2.5.2014 22:32 #18

  • ddp

    no as i do have win7 on my 3rd floor computer & laptop. don't have ff install on any of my current computers at the moment.

    2.5.2014 22:37 #19

  • 2oldGeek

    I have been using FF since it was born and am just so dam used to it it's hard for me to part company with it.. I may just have to if they don't get this latest ver straightened out. It has more bugs than an outhouse. lol

    2.5.2014 22:46 #20

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