*Imp* Only 12 Patches From Microsoft

critical vulnerability in Microsoft's License Logging Servicecritical vulnerability in Microsoft's License Logging Service
So Microsoft skunked us! The big Patch Tuesday only has 12 patches instead of the 13 we heard were coming.

The full story, written by Paul Roberts of IDG News Service, can be found here.

Paul says: "Microsoft provided fixes for almost every supported version of Windows, including the recently updated Windows XP Service Pack 2, and patches for holes in everything from critical Windows components to the Internet Explorer Web browser and MSN Messenger IM application.

These are among the most serious holes Microsoft addresses in its Patch Extravaganza:

A critical vulnerability in a component of Messenger that renders PNG (Portable Network Graphics) image files used to display icons, such as smiley faces, in instant messaging conversations. If successfully exploited, the vulnerability could be hidden in a buddy icon and launched whenever MSN users load contact lists.

Four critical vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer Versions 5 and 6. The patch includes a fix for the "drag and drop" vulnerability that allows remote attackers to use Web-based attacks to place an executable file on a user's Windows system without the user receiving a dialog box asking for approval for the download.

A critical vulnerability in the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol that affects Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 and could be used to launch attacks on vulnerable Windows systems from Web pages. SMB is used to communicate between Windows machines and to share network resources such as printers and files.

A critical vulnerability in Microsoft's License Logging Service that affects Windows Sever 2003, Windows 2000, and Windows NT Server 4.0. The service is a tool that helps customers manage software licenses for Microsoft server products. A remote attacker could use the vulnerability to cause the License Logging Service to fail, causing a denial of service attack on Windows Server 2003 systems or to install programs; view, change, or delete data; or to create new user accounts on Windows 2000 and NT Server 4.0 systems."

Be sure to let us know how your patching went!