Microsoft warns about a PowerPoint virus

SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp. has warned about a new computer virus that exploits a vulnerability in its PowerPoint presentation software to allow hackers to infiltrate computer systems.

Microsoft issued an advisory on the company's security weblog about the virus, which is carried out when a user launches a PowerPoint attachment to an email or opens a file provided to them by the attacker.

Hackers could also lure users to a web page that offers content or advertisements containing a file that exploits the PowerPoint software, Microsoft said. The vulnerability applies to PowerPoint 2000, 2002 and 2003.

Once the user triggers the corrupt PowerPoint file, the virus installs a keystroke logging system to capture everything typed on the machine. It also leaves the machine open to having a hacker install other malicious programmes.

Microsoft said it was completing development of a security update to fix the vulnerability and was on schedule to release the patch on Aug. 8, or sooner, as part of a monthly security update.

Microsoft reported a "limited" number of attacks.

- REUTERS