Emergency Internet Explorer patch released

Microsoft is to issue an out of schedule patch for Internet Explorer (IE) to fix critical software issues.

The flaw is an issue for IE6 and IE7 only Microsoft said in an advisory, with users of IE8 and Windows 7 not vulnerable. It is believed to be the same problem identified by an Israeli researcher earlier in the month.

“The out-of-band security bulletin is a cumulative security update for Internet Explorer and will also contain fixes for privately reported vulnerabilities rated Critical on all versions of Internet Explorer that are not related to this attack,” said the company.

The patch installation will require a reboot once installed.

The patch is Microsoft’s second out of band patch, a fix issued outside the traditional Patch Tuesday the company usually runs. Microsoft has not said if exploits have been seen online.