Optional Windows update prevents mousejacking

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Published onApril 14, 2016

published onApril 14, 2016

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Amongst the patches released yesterday for patch Tuesday there was an optional updated which deals with a very specific flaw in wireless mice. As Lucian Constantin writes for IDG News Service (viaCIO.com), the exploit was revealed earlier this year by IoT security firm Bastille Networks.

Dubbed MouseJack, they found vulnerabilities in the protocols wireless mice and keyboards use to speak with their little USB dongle receivers. This vulnerability allows an attacker transmit rogue keystrokes from up to 100 meters away by pretending to be a wireless mouse. MouseJack effects wireless mice and keyboards from multiple manufacturers, including Microsoft.

To counter MouseJack, Microsoft released the optionalsecurity update KB3152550. This update introduces a filter which makes sure any rogue keystrokes do not sneak into the system disguised as wireless mouse clicks. KB3152550 is available for Windows 7, 8.1, and 10.

In their security advisory, Microsoft details that the following Microsoft wireless mice are affected.

In a twist since the update was released, one of the original security researchers who discovered the MouseJack vulnerability tweeted that KB3152550 fails to completely resolve the issue.

Windows users are still vulnerable to#MouseJackattacks via@microsoftmice after the 3152550 patch. Where’s the old MSRC??

— Marc Newlin (@marcnewlin)April 13, 2016

If you use a wireless mouse and want to install the update you can learn more about how to perform a manual installation onMicrosoft security advisory pagefor KB3152550.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Optional Windows update prevents mousejacking