Updated: July 11, 2020 (August 21, 2006)

Aug. 2006 Security Updates

Michael analyzed and wrote about Microsoft's operating systems, including the Windows client OS, as well as compliance and governance. Michael... more

Twelve patches-nine critical and three important-were released on the Aug. 2006 “Patch Tuesday” to address 23 vulnerabilities in Windows and Office, including a vulnerability with a key Windows networking service that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security urged Windows users to deploy immediately.

Critical Patches

One of the most critical patches released in Aug. 2006 is for an unchecked buffer in the Windows server service (MS06-040). This service, which, despite its name, is part of both client and server editions of Windows, provides Remote Procedure Call (RPC), shared file and printer, and named pipe sharing support over a network. This service is typically running if the user is sharing local resources, such as files and printers, so that other users on the network can access them.

This patch is critical because an attacker can take complete control of the computer, and a public exploit for the vulnerability is already circulating. This is the second time in as many months that Microsoft has patched the Windows server service.

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