Critical security flaw found in Windows XP

Microsoft has confirmed reports of a critical security flaw affecting Windows XP users, saying that targeted attacks are being carried out to exploit this vulnerability.

The vulnerability, which was originally reported by FireEye Labs, affects the Windows kernel and could allow an attacker to gain administrator privileges by executing arbitrary code in kernel mode.

Additionally, exploitation of the vulnerability could result in the installation of programs, viewing, modifying or deleting data, and the creation of new accounts with full administrator privileges.

Microsoft said the security flaw only affects Windows XP users, not newer versions of the operating system.