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The critical update covers a flaw that allows the remote execution of malicious software on vulnerable clients, including Windows Vista systems. The patch is also a critical update for Windows XP. The second update, rated as "important", covers an unspecified privilege elevation flaw.

Both patches will require a reboot, as explained in Microsoft's advance bulletin here.

More details will follow once Microsoft publishes its patches on 8 January. Microsoft also plans to issue five high priority, non-security updates on Microsoft Update and two high priority, non-security updates on Windows Update as well as an update to its malicious software removal tool on Tuesday.

In related news, Microsoft launched a new Security Vulnerability Research and Defense blog late last week. Redmond has run other security-related blogs in the past (such as its Security Response and Anti-Malware Team blog), but the new addition promises to offer more in-depth technical information about vulnerabilities and suggestions about possible workarounds.

Microsoft has taken the unusual step of disabling comments on the blog, something allowed on other Redmond-run sites. Interested parties are invited to submit feedback by email instead.