London: Microsoft has issued a temporary fix against “Duqu,” a computer virus that is thought to have been designed to steal data from industrial organisations.
Microsoft said it exploited a vulnerability in the Windows TrueType font parsing engine to gain control of infected computers, the Telegraph reports.
The temporary patch will be replaced by permanent update at an undisclosed later date, the report said.
Microsoft said that whoever was behind Duqu was able to “install programs, view, change or delete data, or create new accounts with full user rights,” and therefore urged its customers to update anti virus software.
“Within hours, anti-malware firms will roll out new signatures that detect and block attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Therefore, we encourage customers to ensure their antivirus software is up-to-date,’ the software giant said.
According to the report, Duqu, which was detected last month, is closely related to Stuxnet, the cyber attack that disrupted the Iranian nuclear programme.
ANI
