Microsoft Releases December 2004 Security Patches

Microsoft Corporation has released six security bulletins in December 2004. Three of the six security bulletins affect Windows XP, Service Pack 2. It is strongly recommended that the patches be applied. The patches are available through the Windows update function (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com)

The software patches correct security flaws in the Wordpad program, Internet Explorer Web browser, DHCP services, Hyperterminal program, Windows operating system kernel, and Windows Internet Naming Services. One of the vulnerabilities (MS04-040) could make your computer susceptible to an Internet worm infection and the others could permit an unauthorized individual to remotely execute programs on your computer.

Reference: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms04-dec.mspx