Miles Associates LLC

More reason to expedite applying the new patch…

Microsoft Security Advisory (958963): Exploit Code Published Affecting the Server Service

Microsoft is aware that detailed exploit code demonstrating code execution has been published on the Internet for the vulnerability that is addressed by security update MS08-067. This exploit code demonstrates code execution on Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003. Microsoft is aware of limited, targeted active attacks that use this exploit code. At this time, there are no self-replicating attacks associated with this vulnerability. Microsoft has activated its Software Security Incident Response Process (SSIRP) and is continuing to investigate this issue.

Our investigation of this exploit code has verified that it does not affect customers who have installed the updates detailed in MS08-067 on their computers.

Microsoft Unveils Windows Azure Cloud OSMicrosoft on Monday unveiled Azure, a software and services platform that’s a key part of a strategy that sees the company lessening its emphasis on desktop software and shifting more resources to Web-based offerings that can match Google’s growing portfolio of online products.

At its heart, Azure is designed to allow developers to create so-called cloud-based computing architectures that run off of centralized servers that are operated and maintained by Microsoft.

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-067 – Critical: Vulnerability in Server Service Could Allow Remote Code Execution (958644)

This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in the Server service. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if an affected system received a specially crafted RPC request. On Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 systems, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability without authentication to run arbitrary code. It is possible that this vulnerability could be used in the crafting of a wormable exploit. Firewall best practices and standard default firewall configurations can help protect network resources from attacks that originate outside the enterprise perimeter.

This security update is rated Critical for all supported editions of Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and rated Important for all supported editions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.

Free Wi-Fi: Should Retailers Offer It to Customers?

Wi-Fi hotspot service inside fast-food restaurants, coffee shops, book stores—and any other establishment with tables and chairs—has become a standard fare these days. But what isn’t so standard is whether customers should pay for the wireless connectivity service or businesses should provide it for free—just like napkins and packets of ketchup.

Microsoft To Unleash Windows Cloud

At the end of this month, at its Professional Developers Conference, Microsoft intends to unveil something that CEO Steve Ballmer yesterday referred to as “Windows Cloud.” Ballmer explained that “Just like Windows Server looked a lot like Windows but with new properties, new characteristics and new features, so will Windows Cloud look a lot like Windows Server.”