Hello -
We have released Security Advisory 2219475, addressing the vulnerability in the Windows Help and Support Center function in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. We are not aware of any active attacks at this time. Customers running Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 are not vulnerable to this issue or at risk of attack.
We recommend that customers follow the guidance in the Advisory, noting the mitigations and workarounds. The Security Research and Defense team has a blog with more technical details about this issue.
As always, Microsoft strives to work with security researchers to address vulnerabilities in our software. This helps ensure that customers receive comprehensive, high-quality updates before cyber criminals learn of - and work to exploit - a vulnerability. Responsible disclosure protects the computer ecosystem and individual computer users from harm.
We are actively working with partners in our Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) to provide information that they can use to provide broader protections to customers. Anyone believed to have been affected by this issue can visit: http://support.microsoft.com and should contact the national law enforcement agency in their country.
We will continue to share updates on this blog and through our Twitter feed (@msftsecresponse).
Thanks,
Jerry Bryant
Group Manager, Response Communications