Tuesday, November 30, 2004

How to help protect against a WINS security issue

Microsoft is investigating reports of a security issue with Microsoft Windows Internet Name Service (WINS). This security issue affects Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0, Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Terminal Server Edition, Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, and Microsoft Windows Server 2003. Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Microsoft Windows XP, and Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition are not affected by this vulnerability.
By default, WINS is not installed on Windows NT Server 4.0, on Windows NT Server 4.0 Terminal Server Edition, on Windows 2000 Server, or on Windows Server 2003. By default, WINS is installed and running on Microsoft Small Business Server 2000 and on Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003. However, by default, on all versions of Microsoft Small Business Server, the WINS component communication ports are blocked from the Internet, and WINS is available only on the local network.
This security issue could make it possible for an attacker to remotely take control of a WINS server. As of November 26, 2004, Microsoft is not aware of any customers who have been affected by this security issue. Microsoft will continue to investigate this security issue to determine the appropriate steps to help protect the customers. Additionally, to help protect your computer against this security issue, follow the steps in http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;890710

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