Microsoft’s Animated Cursor Vulnerability Patch Causes Problems for XP and Vista Computers

Microsoft rushed out a patch for the Animated Cursor Flaw, knowing that the patch would disable network communication and sound on thousands of computers.

Last Tuesday Microsoft released a critical patch to plug a hole that existed in Internet Explorer 7 running under Windows Vista and Windows XP. The vulnerability could allow an attacker to take control of a computer when a user simply visits an infected website or views an infected email message.

But now users are having problems with the Microsoft Patch. At this time, Realtec networking cards and audio chipsets are definitely impacted by the patch. These cards and chipsets are often used in computers with integrated audio and networking components. These devices WILL FAIL after the patch is installed.

Early last week, Ryan Naraine reported on his blog that Microsoft was privately warned about the vulnerability in December of 2006. Microsoft started working on the problem, but also stated:

There are many factors that impact the length of time between the discovery of a vulnerability and the release of a security update, and every vulnerability presents its own unique challenges.

This is certainly the case with this patch. Microsoft released the update knowing it would debilitate thousands of computers across the globe.

In addition, there are scattered reports that the patch is also impacting programs like ElsterFormular, TUGZip and CD-Tag. Microsoft plans to release a second patch (yes, a patch for the patch) tomorrow morning.

Personally, I think it is a bit cruel to offer an online patch to fix a problem that prevents you from getting on the Internet. It’s kind of like when you call your Internet service provider because you can’t get online and their on-hold recording tells you to visit their website for faster support.

How are users with Realtec Ethernet adapters supposed to get the patch? Something tells me it’s going to be a busy couple of days at Schrock Innovations…