Microsoft has alerted users about a new flaw found in its age-old Internet Explorer browser, citing a vulnerability which allows hackers to take control over a user’s entire PC. The vulnerability has been described as ‘scripting engine memory corruption’ by Clement Lecigne at the Threat Analysis Group.
According to Microsoft, the vulnerability causes memory corruption in a way that allows attackers to hijack a user’s entire PC. For instance, it gives the hacker the same administrative rights as the legit owner who can perform tasks such as install or delete programs.
“In a web-based attack scenario, an attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit the vulnerability through Internet Explorer and then convince a user to view the website, for example, by sending an email,” Microsoft explained.
Besides, Microsoft also notes that the flaw is found in all versions of Internet Explorer, be it Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or even the latest Windows 10. To tackle the issue, the software giant has rolled out an emergency patch to fix the ‘critical’ bug. Microsoft is now urging users to install the patch immediately.
Is it time to ditch Internet Explorer?
Microsoft’s Edge is now the default browser in Windows, however, it doesn’t mean that IE is dead. The company would have axed IE a long time ago had it not been for compatibility reasons.
The issue with Internet Explorer is that many apps are specifically designed and optimized for the browser, which means that Microsoft has no other choice but to keep it around for a little longer. Therefore, even though we have new Chromium-based browsers in Windows, IE is the only browser that is compatible with such apps.
However, users not using such apps should refrain from using Internet Explorer and replace it with modern browsers such as Edge and Chrome, as they offer better security, privacy, cookie controls, and so much more.
Put simply, Internet Explorer is just a piece of history, which’ll get axed sooner or later. Though for now, the sensible thing to do would be ditch IE and move on to a modern browser which offer better security, privacy, and customization.
Besides, Microsoft’s security chief has also warned millions of users who still use Internet Explorer as their default web browser are putting themselves at a huge risk.
