VoIP Tech Chat » Microsoft

Spam wars

patrick — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 04:33:57 +0000

^{I r muzikal n delishus
1spam n. \ˈspam\ unsolicited usually commercial e-mail sent to a large number of addresses}

Millions of dollars are spent every year by companies and individuals combating spam. Spam filters, email systems with integrated spam management, reviewing spam emails for real emails that got inappropriately flagged, storing spam, deleting spam, reporting spam, it all adds up.

There are still websites and advertisers who rely on pop-up ads for revenue and click-throughs. Since every major browser now suppresses these, and for years we have at least had add-ons and 3rd-party apps to do it, it seems counter-intuitive for a company to advertise this way.

In both cases, an advertiser is hawking goods or services in a way that is obnoxiously intrusive to the end consumer. This isn’t necessarily new, even as far back as 1959 there were clearly critics of television advertising, but this somehow seems more offensive. In the case of television, you are getting a fairly expensive product in exchange for your watching advertising. These days, if you want to avoid the ads you can pay more, as it should be. In the case of spam and popups, there is an additional element of outright malice. Never has a television ad, even if it did involve sexual innuendo, been blatantly destructive to the television, the cable box, or the viewer.

In the end, in a survey of “every person I have ever met ever, for real, in my whole life,” it was revealed that everyone openly and unabashedly despises both spam and pop-up ads. The most ironic part of the whole spam / pop-up controversy is this:

They work. (Yale even said so.) If 0 people clicked on the links in the messages, if 0 people saw the banner and said, “OMGWTF!! IHTHT!!” There would be no spam. It would end. Not immediately, but it would decline abruptly. The solution isn’t lawsuits, or government action, it’s each and every end user, every consumer, every man, woman, child, and elderly person on the internet NOT clicking the virus, the ad, the porn.

0 people click, 0 companies pay, 0 companies make money off of spam and pop-ups, 0 spam messages and pop-up ads exist. By maintaining a base-level of plankton-esque internet users to blindly click everything that pops up, the bottom-feeders (who in this example fall ABOVE the clickers) are able to keep making money, and the cycle continues.

Break the cycle. Talk to your mother, grandmother, grandfather, nieces and nephews about clicking stupid things on the interwebs box. It starts with you. And them. And the entire human race.

Microsoft Thinks Pink?

Fred — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:26:15 +0000

Great cast, ok movie.

That phone call I got, it came from outside high walls and fancy gates; it comes from a place you know about maybe from the movies. But I come from out there, and everybody out there knows, everybody lies: cops lie, newspapers lie, parent’s lyin’. The one thing you can count on – word on the street… yeah, that’s solid. — Suicide Kings

Word on the street tells us that Microsoft plans to “unveil” their new phones (code-name PINK) on April 12th. The phones, rumored to be manufactured by the Danger team, will be aimed at a “younger” crowd and we expect features such as Facebook integration, social media connectivity, and music to be heavily marketed. Of course, we still haven’t forgotten the T-Mobile Sidekick/Danger fiasco…

The April 12th date follows the highly expected iPhone OS 4.0 release from Apple. Looks like April’s showers may make for a big May.

Microsoft Announces January Security Bulletin

Fred — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 22:09:25 +0000

Microsoft announced today several critical warnings for Microsoft products, including Windows 2000, Windows 2003 Server, and Windows XP. Microsoft Security Advisories are a way for Microsoft to communicate security information to customers about issues that may not be classified as vulnerabilities and may not require a security bulletin. Each advisory will be accompanied with a unique Microsoft Knowledge Base Article number for reference to provide additional information about the changes.

The Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary follows:

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA256

********************************************************************
Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for January 2009
Issued: January 13, 2009
********************************************************************

This bulletin summary lists security bulletins released for
January 2009.

The full version of the Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for
January 2009 can be found at

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms09-jan.mspx.

With the release of the bulletins for January 2009, this bulletin
summary replaces the bulletin advance notification originally issued
on January 8, 2009. For more information about the bulletin advance
notification service, see

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/advance.mspx.

To receive automatic notifications whenever Microsoft Security
Bulletins are issued, subscribe to Microsoft Technical Security
Notifications on

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/notify.mspx.

Microsoft will host a webcast to address customer questions on
these bulletins on Wednesday, January 14, 2009,
at 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada). Register for the January
Security Bulletin Webcast at

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/summary.mspx.

Microsoft also provides information to help customers prioritize
monthly security updates with any non-security, high-priority
updates that are being released on the same day as the monthly
security updates. Please see the section, Other Information.

Critical Security Bulletins
===========================

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS09-001

 - Affected Software:
   - Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4
   - Windows XP Service Pack 2 and
     Windows XP Service Pack 3
   - Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and
     Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
   - Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 and
     Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
   - Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition and
     Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
   - Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems and
     Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
   - Windows Vista and
     Windows Vista Service Pack 1
   - Windows Vista x64 Edition and
     Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1
   - Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems
     (Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)
   - Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems
     (Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)
   - Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems

   - Impact: Remote Code Execution
   - Version Number: 1.0

Other Information
=================

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool:
==================================================
Microsoft has released an updated version of the Microsoft Windows
Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows Update, Microsoft Update,
Windows Server Update Services, and the Download Center.

Non-Security, High-Priority Updates on MU, WU, and WSUS:
========================================================
Please see:
* http://support.microsoft.com/kb/894199: Microsoft Knowledge Base
 Article 894199, Description of Software Update Services and
 Windows Server Update Services changes in content.
 Includes all Windows content.
* http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/wsus/bb466214.aspx: New,
 Revised, and Released Updates for Microsoft Products Other Than
 Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP)
===========================================
To improve security protections for customers, Microsoft provides
vulnerability information to major security software providers in
advance of each monthly security update release. Security software
providers can then use this vulnerability information to provide
updated protections to customers via their security software or
devices, such as antivirus, network-based intrusion detection
systems, or host-based intrusion prevention systems. To determine
whether active protections are available from security software
providers, please visit the active protections Web sites provided by
program partners, listed at

http://www.microsoft.com/security/msrc/mapp/partners.mspx.

Recognize and avoid fraudulent e-mail to Microsoft customers:
=============================================================
If you receive an e-mail message that claims to be distributing
a Microsoft security update, it is a hoax that may contain
malware or pointers to malicious Web sites. Microsoft does
not distribute security updates via e-mail.

The Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) uses PGP to digitally
sign all security notifications. However, PGP is not required for
reading security notifications, reading security bulletins, or
installing security updates. You can obtain the MSRC public PGP key
at

https://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/pgp.mspx.

To receive automatic notifications whenever Microsoft Security
Bulletins are issued, subscribe to Microsoft Technical Security
Notifications on

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/notify.mspx.

********************************************************************
THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS MICROSOFT COMMUNICATION IS
PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT
DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE
LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL
DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING
LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.
********************************************************************

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And there’s a revision, too:

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
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********************************************************************
Title: Microsoft Security Bulletin Major Revisions
Issued: January 13, 2009
********************************************************************

Summary
=======
The following bulletins have undergone a major revision increment.
Please see the appropriate bulletin for more details.

 * MS08-076 - Important
 * MS08-072 - Critical

Bulletin Information:
=====================

* MS08-076 - Important

- http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-076.mspx
- Reason for Revision: V3.0 (January 13, 2009): Added entry to the
   Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security
   Update section explaining that Microsoft has re-released the
   update packages for Windows Media Format Runtime 9.5 on
   Windows XP Service Pack 2 (KB952069) and on Windows XP
   Service Pack 3 (KB952069). Customers running all other
   supported and affected versions of Windows Media components
   who have already applied the original security update
   packages do not need to take any further action. Also, listed
   Windows Media Player 6.4 and Windows Media Services 4.1 as
   affected on all editions of Microsoft Windows 2000 Service
   Pack 4; customers who were offered but have not applied this
   update, KB954600 for Windows Media Player 6.4, or KB952068
   for Windows Media Services 4.1, need to do so.
- Originally posted: December 9, 2008
- Updated: January 13, 2009
- Bulletin Severity Rating: Important
- Version: 3.0

* MS08-072 - Critical

- http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-072.mspx
- Reason for Revision: V2.0 (January 13, 2009): Added Microsoft
   Office Word Viewer to Affected Software table. Also, added an
   entry to the section, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
   Related to This Security Update, explaining Microsoft Office
   Word Viewer. There were no changes to the security update
   binaries or detection. Customers with Microsoft Office Word
   Viewer who have successfully installed security update
   KB956366 do not need to reinstall.
- Originally posted: December 9, 2008
- Updated: January 13, 2009
- Bulletin Severity Rating: Critical
- Version: 2.0

Other Information
=================

Recognize and avoid fraudulent e-mail to Microsoft customers:
=============================================================
If you receive an e-mail message that claims to be distributing
a Microsoft security update, it is a hoax that may contain
malware or pointers to malicious Web sites. Microsoft does
not distribute security updates via e-mail.

The Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) uses PGP to digitally
sign all security notifications. However, it is not required to read
security notifications, security bulletins, security advisories, or
install security updates. You can obtain the MSRC public PGP key at
https://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/pgp.mspx.

To receive automatic notifications whenever Microsoft Security
Bulletins and Microsoft Security Advisories are issued or revised,
subscribe to Microsoft Technical Security Notifications on
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/notify.mspx.

********************************************************************
THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS MICROSOFT COMMUNICATION IS
PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT
DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE
LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL
DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING
LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.
********************************************************************

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Microsoft SQL Security Warning Issued

Fred — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 05:04:51 +0000

Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft announced a new security vulnerability affecting almost the entire Microsoft SQL Server product line. The warning verifies a vulnerability allowing remote code execution on systems running:

Microsoft SQL Server 2000
Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE 2000)
Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (WMSDE)
and Windows Internal Database (WYukon)

Note: Systems with Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Service Pack 4, Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 3, and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 are not affected by this vulnerability.

From the advisory:

Microsoft is aware that exploit code has been published on the Internet for the vulnerability addressed by this advisory. Our investigation of this exploit code has verified that it does not affect systems that have had the workarounds listed below applied. Currently, Microsoft is not aware of active attacks that use this exploit code or of customer impact at this time.

In addition, due to the mitigating factors for default installations of MSDE 2000 and SQL Server 2005 Express, Microsoft is not currently aware of any third-party applications that use MSDE 2000 or SQL Server 2005 Express which would be vulnerable to remote attack. However, Microsoft is actively monitoring this situation to provide customer guidance as necessary.

…

Customers who believe that they have been attacked can obtain security support at Get security support and should contact the national law enforcement agency in their country. Customers in the United States can contact Customer Service and Support at no charge using the PC Safety hotline at 1-866-PCSAFETY. Additionally, customers in the United States should contact their local FBI office or report their situation at Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Microsoft recommends that all users keep Windows updated and apply Microsoft Security updates regularly.

New Security Issues for Microsoft VoIP

Fred — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:13:53 +0000

VoIPShield, a VoIP security solutions company, announced new security vulnerabilities affecting Microsoft VoIP Products. The vulnerabilities affect applications using media stream protocols, such as RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol).

The products affected:

Office Communications Server 2007
Office Communicator
Windows Live Messenger

These products deliver software-powered VoIP, presence, instant messaging and audio/video/Web conferencing functionality to end users. Microsoft estimates that over 250 million computers worldwide run these applications. All use RTP to deliver the content of the message; therefore all are vulnerable to this class of attack.

“Most of the attention in enterprise VoIP/UC security has been paid to the control channel, where SIP and other signalling protocols are used,” said Ken Kousky, CEO of CISSP certification training company IP3 Inc. and advisor to the VoIP Lab at Illinois Institute of Technology. “Until now, the media stream has been largely ignored by the security community as a source of malicious activity. But attacks from these vectors have the potential to be dangerously persistent and widespread.”

The Microsoft vulnerabilities announced today, if exploited, cause a Denial of Service (DoS) condition against not only the stated applications but the entire desktop environment.

“Today’s announcements are just the tip of the iceberg,” said Andriy Markov, director of VoIPshield Labs. “Although they are specific to Microsoft’s applications, similar flaws exist in other VoIP vendors’ products. And many other media stream attacks exist that have more severe implications than service availability. We’re presently validating new research that shows an attacker can gain unauthorized access to an unsuspecting user’s laptop by manipulating the packets of a VoIP phone call. We believe that these attacks can even be made to traverse a PSTN gateway.”

VoIPshield has not publicly released the “full details” of the Microsoft VoIP vulnerabilities. VoIPshield, through it’s standard operating procedure, will first confidentially disclose the details to Microsoft and work with them to fix the applications.

VoIPshield Systems is a VoIP security solutions company founded in early 2005. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, VoIPshield develops and markets the VoIPshield Security Suite, a set of security applications purpose-built to protect VoIP networks.