Microsoft preparing urgent patch to secure Windows XP as end-of-support draws close

Microsoft is working on a patch for the Windows XP that will be released on Patch Tuesday to avoid attackers from completely taking over the affected computers, reports PCWorld.   Late in November, Microsoft has issued a security advisory about the discovery of vulnerability in a kernel component of its Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Symantec now reveals in a blog post that the attacks have been active since the beginning of November. It arrives as a malicious PDF file with names such as syria15.10.pdf or Note_№107-41D.pdf.   The blog post further says that “successful exploits will result in complete compromise of affected computers and patching of XP will make it less vulnerable.” The urgency for patching of XP comes as a result of Microsoft’s decision to end support to XP in April. It is in April at the Build conference that the company also plans to reveal the vision for its **upcoming Threshold aka Windows 9 platform** , which is likely to start shipping in April 2015.   Russ Ernst, director of product management at Lumension says, “If you’re still using XP, this will be an important patch to deploy. And, hopefully you are working on your migration plan.”   Another alert, Bulletin 1, promises patches for all supported versions of Microsoft Word and SharePoint Server. “Bulletin 1 is the main door that needs to be patched. I recommend patching Bulletin 1 as soon as possible,” says Tommy Chin, a technical support engineer with CORE Security.