Microsoft issues patch for Windows flaw

SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft Corp. on Thursday made available a patch earlier than anticipated to fix a flaw in its Windows operating system that could allow attackers to take control of a computer.

Initially, the world's largest software maker said it would issue the patch next Tuesday but made the fix available on its Web site after development teams completed their work earlier than expected, the company said.

The newly discovered flaw in the operating system leaves computers vulnerable to attack if users visit Web sites containing harmful code or open certain e-mail attachments.

Microsoft said it appears that attacks exploiting the vulnerability have been limited and mitigated by efforts to shut down malicious Web sites. The company warned users not to visit unfamiliar Web sites that could potentially host the malicious code.