Microsoft accidentally rolled out a Windows 7 test update

Posted on Thursday, October 01 2015 @ 13:28 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
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A suspicious Windows 7 update caused quite a ruckus on Wednesday. The weird patch rattled the nerves of computer enthusiasts as its strange payload suggested that perhaps Windows Update had been hacked.

Fortunately, this was not the case. Microsoft didn't reveal a whole lot of details but informed the press that the KB3877432 update was rolled out by accident and that the company is in the process of removing it.
Microsoft said a highly suspicious Windows update that was delivered to customers around the world was the result of a test that wasn't correctly implemented.

"We incorrectly published a test update and are in the process of removing it," a Microsoft spokesperson wrote in an e-mail to Ars. The message included no other information.

The explanation came more than 12 hours after people around the world began receiving the software bulletin through the official Windows Update, raising widespread speculation that Microsoft's automatic patching mechanism was broken or, worse, had been compromised to attack end users. Fortunately, now that Microsoft has finally weighed in, that worst-case scenario can be ruled out.
ARS Technica


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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