Microsoft February security bulletins pre-release announcement (PC1-2007-0113)

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A  U  S  C  E  R  T                                           A  L  E  R  T

                       AL-2007.0017 -- AUSCERT ALERT
                                   [Win]
      Microsoft February security bulletins pre-release announcement
                             13 February 2007

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        AusCERT Alert Summary
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Product:              Microsoft Windows
                      Microsoft Office
                      Microsoft Data Access Components
                      Windows Defender
                      Windows Live OneCare
                      Microsoft Antigen
                      Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server
                      Microsoft Forefront Security for SharePoint
                      Visual Studio
                      Step-by-Step Interactive Training
Operating System:     Windows
Member content until: Tuesday, March 13 2007

Original Bulletin:    
  http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/advance.mspx


OVERVIEW:

	Microsoft will be releasing critical security patches for February 
	for their products on Wednesday 14 February 2007 at:

	6:00 am AEDT (ACT, NSW, Tasmania, Victoria)
	5:30 am ACST (SA, NT)
	5:00 am AEST (Queensland)
	4:00 am AWST (WA)

	Further details are available from the Microsoft web site [1].


DETAILS:

	Microsoft will be releasing twelve security bulletins:

	    - Eight affecting Microsoft Windows and its related components
	    - Two for Microsoft Office
	    - One for Microsoft Step-by-Step Interactive Training.
	    - One affecting Windows Defender, OneCare, Antigen and 
              Forefront Security products

	Several of the vulnerabilities to be announced have a critical impact.


MITIGATION:

	AusCERT advises that system administrators consider patching their
	machines as quickly as possible following their release by Microsoft.
	Bulletin information will be available from the Microsoft web site
	soon after their release, and AusCERT will be distributing bulletins
	to AusCERT members on Wednesday.
  
	Historically, exploits targeting Microsoft vulnerabilities are
	released in the days immediately following their announcement, so it 
	is critical that system administrators apply patches or mitigate
	vulnerabilities as quickly as possible.


REFERENCES:

	[1] http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/advance.mspx


AusCERT has made every effort to ensure that the information contained
in this document is accurate.  However, the decision to use the information
described is the responsibility of each user or organisation. The decision to
follow or act on information or advice contained in this security bulletin is
the responsibility of each user or organisation, and should be considered in
accordance with your organisation's site policies and procedures. AusCERT
takes no responsibility for consequences which may arise from following or
acting on information or advice contained in this security bulletin.

If you believe that your computer system has been compromised or attacked in 
any way, we encourage you to let us know by completing the secure National IT 
Incident Reporting Form at:

        http://www.auscert.org.au/render.html?it=3192

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Australian Computer Emergency Response Team
The University of Queensland
Brisbane
Qld 4072

Internet Email: auscert@auscert.org.au
Facsimile:      (07) 3365 7031
Telephone:      (07) 3365 4417 (International: +61 7 3365 4417)
                AusCERT personnel answer during Queensland business hours
                which are GMT+10:00 (AEST).
                On call after hours for member emergencies only.
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