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.

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

Windows Vista (all editions)Reference tableThe 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 tableThe 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 tableThe 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.

Help for installing updates: Support for Microsoft UpdateSecurity solutions for IT professionals: TechNet Security Troubleshooting and SupportHelp for protecting your Windows-based computer from viruses and malware: Virus Solution and Security CenterLocal support according to your country: International Support

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