Summary
This security update resolves a vulnerability in the VBScript scripting engine in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user visits a specially crafted website. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the current user. If the current user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could take control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.
To learn more about the vulnerability, see Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-003.
Additional information about this security update
The following articles contain additional information about this security update as it relates to individual product versions. The articles may contain known issue information.
- 3124625 MS16-003: Description of the security update for JScript 5.8 and VBScript 5.8: January 12, 2016
- 3124624 MS16-003: Description of the security update for JScript 5.7 and VBScript 5.7: January 12, 2016
How to obtain and install the update
Method 1: Windows Update
This update is available through Windows Update. When you turn on automatic updating, this update will be downloaded and installed automatically. For more information about how to turn on automatic updating, see
Get security updates automatically.
Method 2: Microsoft Download Center
You can obtain the stand-alone update package through the Microsoft Download Center. Follow the installation instructions on the download page to install the update.
Click the download link in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-003 that corresponds to the version of Windows that you are running.
More Information
Security update deployment information
Windows Vista (all editions)
Reference table
The following table contains the security update information for this software.
| Security update file names | For JScript 5.7 and VBScript 5.7 on all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Vista: Windows6.0-KB3124624-x86.msu |
|---|---|
| For JScript 5.7 and VBScript 5.7 on all supported x64-based editions of Windows Vista: Windows6.0-KB3124624-x64.msu |
|
| Installation switches | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 934307 |
| Restart requirement | In some cases, this update does not require a restart. If the required files are being used, this update will require a restart. If this behavior occurs, a message appears that advises you to restart. |
| Removal information | WUSA.exe does not support uninstall of updates. To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, click Control Panel, and then click Security. Under Windows Update, click View installed updates, and select from the list of updates. |
| File information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 3124624 |
| Registry key verification | Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update. |
Windows Server 2008 (all editions)
Reference table
The following table contains the security update information for this software.
| Security update file names | For JScript 5.7 and VBScript 5.7 on all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2008: Windows6.0-KB3124624-x86.msu |
|---|---|
| For JScript 5.7 and VBScript 5.7 on all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008: Windows6.0-KB3124624-x64.msu |
|
| For JScript 5.7 and VBScript 5.7 on all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008: Windows6.0-KB3124624-ia64.msu |
|
| Installation switches | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 934307 |
| Restart requirement | In some cases, this update does not require a restart. If the required files are being used, this update will require a restart. If this behavior occurs, a message appears that advises you to restart. |
| Removal information | WUSA.exe does not support uninstall of updates. To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, click Control Panel, and then click Security. Under Windows Update, click View installed updates, and select from the list of updates. |
| File information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 3124624 |
| Registry key verification | Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update. |
Windows Server 2008 R2 (all editions)
Reference table
The following table contains the security update information for this software.
| Security update file name | For JScript 5.8 and VBScript 5.8 on all supported Server Core installations of x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008 R2: Windows6.1-KB3124625-x64.msu |
|---|---|
| Installation switches | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 934307 |
| Restart requirement | In some cases, this update does not require a restart. If the required files are being used, this update will require a restart. If this behavior occurs, a message appears that advises you to restart. |
| Removal information | To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, use the /Uninstall setup switch or click Control Panel, click System and Security, and then under Windows Update, click View installed updates, and select from the list of updates. |
| File information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 3124625 |
| Registry key verification | Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update. |
How to obtain help and support for this security update
Help for installing updates: Support for Microsoft Update
Security solutions for IT professionals: TechNet Security Troubleshooting and Support
Help for protecting your Windows-based computer from viruses and malware: Virus Solution and Security Center
Local support according to your country: International Support