Microsoft fixes SMBRelay vulnerability affecting Vista SP1 and XP SP3

Microsoft issued a patch for a security vulnerability, which could easily rival Windows operating systems in terms of life time. Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-068 was designed to resolve a security vulnerability in Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol, which was initially reported to the Redmond company in 2001.

The vulnerability is currently affecting all supported Windows client and server platforms, including Windows XP Service Pack 3 (rated Important) and Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (rated Moderate). Christopher Budd, a security program manager in the Microsoft Security Response Center, explained the company's reasons in letting the security flaw go unpatched for seven years.