Microsoft bug could let hackers hijack PC owners internet browsers, Google researchers claim
Ordinary people 'at risk' due to vulnerability which might allow cyber-crooks to crack into victim's systems
MICROSOFT internet apps allegedly have a "high level" bug that allows attackers to hijack victim's browsers.
Reseachers from Google have released details of the flaw and claimed it affects Internet Explorer 11 as well as the Edge browser.
The company discovered the problem in November, but gave its rival tech company 90 days to fix it before going public on Monday evening.
Microsoft has not confirmed when it will fix the issue.
Google researcher Ivan Fratric said he was reluctant to release any more details of the "high level" bug over fears that hackers may exploit it and put millions at risk
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Google researcher Ivan Fratric said he was reluctant to release any more details of the "high level" bug over fears that hackers may exploit it and put millions at risk.
He added that there was no evidence that any attackers had exploited the flaw.
Following the revelations, a Microsoft spokesman wrote in a blog post: "We believe in coordinated vulnerability disclosure, and we’ve had an ongoing conversation with Google about extending their deadline since the disclosure could potentially put customers at risk.
"Microsoft has a customer commitment to investigate reported security issues and proactively update impacted devices as soon as possible.
The move is sure to prompt a bitter row between two rivals.
But Google has its own bug bounty programme.
It encourages hackers to send in flaws in its own software and encourages making them public if Google have not made a fix available within 90 days.
PC owners were last year left fuming after a series of problems were reported with an update to Microsoft's software.
People using Windows 7/8.1 complained of being constantly “nagged” by regular alerts telling them to upgrade to Windows 10.
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