WSUS Blocking: A Real Problem, Microsoft Says -- Redmondmag.com

WSUS Blocking: A Real Problem, Microsoft Says

Microsoft closed its investigation into an update blocking issue that affected users of Windows Server Update Service 3.0 or WSUS 3.0 Service Pack 1.

By Kurt Mackie
08/13/2008

Microsoft yesterday closed its investigation into an update blocking issue, disclosed in June, that affected users of Microsoft Windows Server Update Service (WSUS) 3.0 or Microsoft WSUS 3.0 Service Pack 1. The blocking problem was relegated to client systems that had Microsoft Office 2003 installed, and it prevented those systems from getting security updates and other patches.

Microsoft's conclusion? It confirmed that the WSUS blocking issue really is a problem after all. The company recommends that IT shops affected by the problem install an update. A description of the problem and link to get the update can be accessed here (Knowledge Base Article 954960).

The update only applies to users of System Center Essentials and System Center Configuration Manager 2007. Those products are the only ones that use WSUS, according to Microsoft's Knowledge Base Article.

The fix to the blocking problem was originally provided on August 1 via the Microsoft Download Center. However, Microsoft revised its Knowledge Base Article yesterday simply to alert users that the update is now available via Microsoft Update. Those who got the update on August 1 don't have to reinstall it.

While the blocking issue seems to be a security issue, that's something that the technicians at Microsoft vigorously contend.

"In this case, Microsoft is communicating an issue that affects your ability to perform updates, including security updates," the Knowledge Base Article states. "Therefore, this advisory does not address a specific security vulnerability; rather, it addresses your overall security."

So it's not a software security issue in the sense of fixing software that's innately insecure. However, if left unfixed, the WSUS problem can wreak havoc by leaving Office 2003 unpatched.

About the Author

Kurt Mackie is senior news producer for 1105 Media's Converge360 group.

Featured

Using Configuration Files to Control PowerShell Scripts, Part 2: Building Blocks

Learn how to use PowerShell's GUI capabilities to dynamically create configuration files that enhance script flexibility and usability.
U.S. House Leaders Unveil Bipartisan Strategy for AI Governance and Innovation

On Tuesday, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries received the final report from the bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, which outlines essential principles and recommendations to bolster American leadership in AI.
Using Configuration Files to Control PowerShell Scripts, Part 1: The Basics

Learn how to use JSON configuration files to make PowerShell scripts more dynamic, flexible and user-friendly.
Exchange Online Receiving Enhanced Message Trace

Microsoft has announced the public preview of its enhanced Message Trace feature in the Exchange admin center (EAC) for Exchange Online.
Major Microsoft Multifactor Authentication Vulnerability Revealed

A vulnerability in Microsoft’s multifactor authentication (MFA) system has been uncovered by cybersecurity firm Oasis Security, allowing attackers to bypass security measures and access sensitive data across services including Outlook, OneDrive, Teams and Azure.