Critical vulnerability force Microsoft to patch versions of Windows Server and desktops that are long out of support. Credit: Getty Images Microsoft took the rare step of issuing security fixes for both the server and desktop versions of Windows that are long out of support, so you know this is serious. The vulnerability (CVE-2019-0708) is in the Remote Desktop Services component built into all versions of Windows. RDP, formerly known as Terminal Services, itself is not vulnerable. CVE-2019-0708 is pre-authentication and requires no user interaction, meaning any future malware could self-propagate from one vulnerable machine to another. CVE-2019-0708 affects Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2008. It does not impact Microsoft’s newest operating systems; Windows 8 through 10 and Windows Server 2012 through 2019 are not affected. In the posting to the Microsoft Security Response Center blog, Simon Pope, director of incident response for MSRC wrote, “This vulnerability is pre-authentication and requires no user interaction. In other words, the vulnerability is ‘wormable,’ meaning that any future malware that exploits this vulnerability could propagate from vulnerable computer to vulnerable computer in a similar way as the WannaCry malware spread across the globe in 2017. It is important that affected systems are patched as quickly as possible to prevent such a scenario from happening.” He added, “While we have observed no exploitation of this vulnerability, it is highly likely that malicious actors will write an exploit for this vulnerability and incorporate it into their malware.” The WannaCry ransomware spread quickly in May 2017, using a vulnerability that was particularly prevalent among older versions of Windows. Microsoft issued fixes for it, but many machines in Europe and other parts of the world didn’t update, possibly because they were using pirated versions of Windows. All told, it was a busy Patch Tuesday, with 16 updates targeting at least 79 security holes in Windows and related software, and nearly a quarter of them rated critical, the most severe rating. How many Windows Server 2003 and 2008 installations are out there is anyone’s guess, since even IDC isn’t sure. The majority of old servers run on ancient hardware doing menial tasks, such as running reports or file and print, and the companies just haven’t bothered to retire them. But since it’s not good to be the source of a worm infestation, it’s worth checking your servers to see what you have. And in my experience, there’s likely a lot more Windows Server 2003 and 2008 systems out there than most people realize. I am never surprised at IT’s ability to lose track of assets. Related content news CHIPS Act to fund $285 million for semiconductor digital twins Plans call for building an institute to develop digital twins for semiconductor manufacturing and share resources among chip developers. By Andy Patrizio May 10, 2024 3 mins CPUs and Processors Data Center news HPE launches storage system for HPC and AI clusters The HPE Cray Storage Systems C500 is tuned to avoid I/O bottlenecks and offers a lower entry price than Cray systems designed for top supercomputers. By Andy Patrizio May 07, 2024 3 mins Supercomputers Enterprise Storage Data Center news Lenovo ships all-AMD AI systems New systems are designed to support generative AI and on-prem Azure. By Andy Patrizio Apr 30, 2024 3 mins CPUs and Processors Data Center news Accelsius offers liquid cooling without a data center retrofit NeuCool technology works with existing data center equipment and configuration. By Andy Patrizio Apr 24, 2024 3 mins Energy Efficiency Data Center PODCASTS VIDEOS RESOURCES EVENTS NEWSLETTERS Newsletter Promo Module Test Description for newsletter promo module. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe