Watch CBS News

Windows Flaw Was Used By Hackers Linked To Russia

Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Microsoft says a newly discovered flaw in its Windows software was used by a hacking group that other researchers have linked to Russia's government and computer intrusions at the Democratic National Committee.

The flaw was detected by researchers at Google, who recently alerted software makers Microsoft and Adobe Systems about vulnerabilities in their programs. Adobe issued a fix for its software last week. Microsoft says it's testing a patch and will release it next week.

Microsoft acknowledged the problem Tuesday, saying only that it affected older versions of Windows and was used by a group called Strontium to target "a specific set of customers."

The security firm Crowdstrike and others have linked Strontium, also known as "Fancy Bear," to recent attacks on government, media and political targets in several countries.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.