Security Researchers Discover Severe Vulnerability in Microsoft Visual Studio Installer

extensions could capture data entered into legitimate forms, record all user keystrokes, or execute arbitrary code on the affected machine.”

## Warning about Security Vulnerability in Microsoft Visual Studio Installer

Security researchers have sounded an alarm over a severe security vulnerability in the Microsoft Visual Studio installer. The flaw leaves the entire installation process wide open to exploit and makes it possible for a hacker to impersonate a legitimate publisher. This could result in malicious actors distributing dangerous extensions designed to capture sensitive user data, record keystrokes, or execute arbitrary code on the targeted system.

According to Varonis researcher Dolev Taler, the flaw in the Microsoft Visual Studio Installer represents a significant threat. Researchers have warned that any infected extension could extract data entered into legitimate forms, capture other sensitive information, and create channels for hackers to run programs on compromised computers.

Researchers who discovered the vulnerability have called on Microsoft to patch the flaw. They warn that users of Microsoft Visual Studio are at “high risk” if the vulnerability remains unpatched.

Taler says the ease of exploiting the vulnerability makes it a prime target for hackers seeking to penetrate high-value targets. The repercussions of a successful attack could be dire, resulting in significant data breaches and disruption for businesses around the world.

## Microsoft Urged to Act Fast

The implications of the vulnerability’s discovery are serious, and experts are calling on Microsoft to act fast to patch the problem. Taler has called on Microsoft developers to develop fixes quickly to ensure their users remain protected against the risk of attack.

This is a troubling development for Microsoft, which has struggled to maintain a reputation for strong security in recent years. The company has faced criticism for the prevalence of malware and hacking attempts that have used its software as an entry point into target systems.

Taler concludes by saying that the discovery of vulnerabilities is essential to ensure that software providers understand evolving threats to their systems and take action to secure them. The ball now lies in Microsoft’s court to patch the vulnerability and protect their users.

Original Article: https://thehackernews.com/2023/06/researchers-uncover-publisher-spoofing.html