Originally published February 13 2006
Windows security has another vulnerability
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A vulnerability in wireless laptop software has the potential to affect any laptop computer running a recent version of Microsoft Windows. It has been exploited on airline flights to gain access to other machines passengers were using.
Windows security is once again in the spotlight, this time with a vulnerability in wireless laptop software stealing some of the limelight at an annual US hacker conference called ShmooCon.
The two-day convention held in Washington DC aims to tap into the collective expertise of hackers and security specialists.
In a presentation at the conference, Mark Loveless, (aka Simple Nomad), a senior security researcher for Vernier Threat Labs and self-confessed hacker, revealed the wireless security flaw that has the potential to affect any laptop computer running a recent version of the Microsoft Windows operating system.
His address, which was detailed in a security blog on the Washington Post, divulged that Mr Loveless had successfully exploited the vulnerability on airline flights to gain access to Windows machines that other passengers were using.
Built-in wireless capabilities in the operating system are configured to search for any available wireless connections on start up, but when no wireless link is found then the software establishes an ad-hoc link to a local address.
This can then be exploited using a network connection on another computer that matches the name of the network that the target computer is broadcasting.
The two computers can then "associate" with one another on the same local network giving the attacker direct access to a victim's machine.
According the Washington Post blog, Microsoft was aware of the problem and said a fix would be released in its next scheduled service pack.
Windows security issues have figured prominently in the headlines this month.
A new "high-risk" vulnerability associated with formatting images in Microsoft's Windows software emerged a fortnight ago for which the company has issued a patch.
The company also recently issued a similar patch for the Vista operating system which is currently in beta testing.
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