- Microsoft issues warning of holes within Internet Explorer
- Hackers have exploited ActiveX Video
- Malicious code may leave users open to attack
COMPUTER giant Microsoft has warned users that holes in their web browser can leave computers vulnerable.
The company has said that hackers have exploited a program that plays videos in Internet Explorer.
In a statement issued online, Microsoft has advised people using the web browser on Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 to disable ActiveX Video until a fix is available.
ActiveX Video Control is used to capture, record and play video.
“An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the local user,” the company said.
“When the ActiveX control is used in Internet Explorer, the control may corrupt the system state in such a way that an attacker could run an arbitrary code.”
According to Microsoft, attackers are able to install programs; view, change or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Unsuspecting users may also get emails directing them to hazardous websites.