Microsoft warns of Internet Explorer security gap

Associated Press
WSJ cybersecurity reporter Danny Yadron has details on a new security flaw discovered in Microsoft's Internet Explorer that potentially impacts 300 million users of Windows XP. Photo: Getty Images.

REDMOND, Wash. (AP) — Microsoft says a security gap in Internet Explorer could allow an attacker to take complete control of a computer if the user clicks on a malicious link.

The vulnerability affects versions 6 through 11 of the Web browser.

Microsoft Corp. said Saturday that it was aware of "limited, targeted attacks" that tried to exploit the security gap. The company is working on a fix which it plans to provide in a software update on May 13.

In the meantime, Microsoft encourages customers to enable a firewall, apply all software updates and install anti-malware software.

A division of the Homeland Security Department recommends that users download a security toolkit from Microsoft or use another browser until an update becomes available.

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Online:

Microsoft Security Advisory: http://bit.ly/1fJX5RR