Microsoft is warning users of its Internet Explorer browser to use caution on the Web, after the disclosure of an unpatched bug that could allow attackers to seize control of a PC running the browser software.The bug, disclosed Wednesday, relates to the way that IE processes information using the createTextRange() method. By presenting the browser with specially crafted code, attackers could corrupt the system’s memory and trick it into running unauthorized software.“We’re still investigating, but we have confirmed this vulnerability and I am writing a Microsoft Security Advisory on this,” wrote Lennart Wistrand, security program manager with the Microsoft Security Response Center, in a blog posting. “We will address it in a security update.”Microsoft’s next scheduled set of security updates is due April 11, but Wistrand did not say whether the TextRange() bug would be patched then. Microsoft executives were not immediately available to comment for this story. Wistrand offered IE users a work-around to avoid the problem. “Our initial investigation has revealed that if you turn off Active Scripting, that will prevent the attack,” he wrote.IE users with the latest refresh of the IE7 Beta 2 Preview software, announced this week, are “not affected” by the problem, Wistrand said. Outlook and Outlook Express users are not at risk either, he added. This is the third IE bug to be reported in recent days. The other bug, disclosed Tuesday, is also considered critical because it could be used to seize control of a system. A third flaw, made public last Thursday, is considered less severe, but it can cause IE to crash.The TextRange() method bug is considered the most serious of the three, however, because it appears to be relatively easy to exploit.Check out Wistrand’s blog posting.-Robert McMillan, IDG News ServiceThis article is also posted on CSO sister publication, CIO’s Microsoft Informer page. For more news on the Redmond, Wash.-based powerhouse, keep checking in. Check out our CSO Security Feed page for updated news coverage. Related content news analysis Companies are already feeling the pressure from upcoming US SEC cyber rules New Securities and Exchange Commission cyber incident reporting rules don't kick in until December, but experts say they highlight the need for greater collaboration between CISOs and the C-suite By Cynthia Brumfield Sep 28, 2023 6 mins Regulation Data Breach Financial Services Industry news UK data regulator warns that data breaches put abuse victims’ lives at risk The UK Information Commissioner’s Office has reprimanded seven organizations in the past 14 months for data breaches affecting victims of domestic abuse. By Michael Hill Sep 28, 2023 3 mins Electronic Health Records Data Breach Government news EchoMark releases watermarking solution to secure private communications, detect insider threats Enterprise-grade software embeds AI-driven, forensic watermarking in emails and documents to pinpoint potential insider risks By Michael Hill Sep 28, 2023 4 mins Communications Security Threat and Vulnerability Management Security Software news SpecterOps to use in-house approximation to test for global attack variations The new offering uses atomic tests and in-house approximation in purple team assessment to test all known techniques of an attack. By Shweta Sharma Sep 28, 2023 3 mins Penetration Testing Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe