Following the confirmation of active exploits of a buffer overflow vulnerability in Windows Server, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a public warning advising Windows Operating Systems users to immediately implement the security bulletin MS06-040. The flaw associated with Server Service could allow in the eventuality of an exploit remote code execution on a compromised system.

"Windows Operating Systems users are encouraged to avoid delay in applying this security patch. Attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems routinely occur within 24 hours of the release of a security patch. This vulnerability could impact government systems, private industry and critical infrastructure, as well as individual and home users," was stated in the issued advisory.

According to the Redmond Company, the affected software products are: Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4; Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 and Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2; Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition; Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1; Microsoft Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition."