Microsoft Fixes XP SP2 Firewall Flaw

Microsoft announced Friday that it has released a patch to remedy a potential security breach in its firewall utility shipped with Windows XP Service Pack 2. The flaw could make files visible outside of a local network if file and print sharing was activated.

Microsoft had acknowledged the problem on its SP 2 Web site back in September, however a patch was not released until Tuesday.

Gary Schare, Director of Product Management for Windows told BetaNews that "this release is an update provided to change the behavior of the Windows Firewall under very specific circumstances," which will fix the issue.

Schare said anyone wishing to learn more can visit the Windows XP Web site for more information.