storm

Zero-day exploit hits Internet Explorer

One flaw not addressed in yesterday's Patch Tuesday is a heap overflow within the XML parser reported on Wednesday by Bojan Zdrnja of the SANS Internet Storm Center.

The exploit in the wild on Wednesday creates an XML tag, then waits 6 seconds in an attempt to thwart antivirus engines. The exploit could then crash the browser and run malicious code when the browser is restarted. The user must be running Windows XP or Windows Server 2003, and using Internet Explorer 7.

Zdrnja writes that "at this point in time, it does not appear to be wildly used, … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 867: Of peanut butter and shotguns

It is a tale told down throughout the ages. Google's Internet access is a large jar of peanut butter, and As Natali reminds us, you don't kill bugs with a shotgun. Even if it is fun. If you take nothing else away from this show, at least remember that. Listen now: Download today's podcast Episode 867

UK ISPs switch on mass Wikipedia censorship http://community.zdnet.co.uk/blog/0,1000000567,10009938o-2000331777b,00.htm http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10116543-93.html http://www.boingboing.net/2008/12/07/how-the-great-firewa.html

Technology start-ups to be given £1B fund … Read more

CNET News Daily Podcast: Recession hits home

In Friday's podcast, corporate raider Carl Icahn recently bought up a lot more stock in his one-time target Yahoo, Facebook employees' internal stock sale gets derailed, Conde Nast cuts back plans for some new Web sites, and the BlackBerry Storm gets an update. Also, as part of an ongoing series about how the recession is affecting the tech industry, CNET News takes a look at how a recently laid-off IT consultant and his family are coping.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Today's stories:

Icahn goes bargain basement hunting

Facebook delays plan to let employees sell stock

Report: Conde Nast putting site launches on hold… Read more

Verizon officially rolls out BlackBerry Storm firmware update

Earlier on Friday, we reported on rumors that Verizon Wireless would release a firmware update for the RIM BlackBerry Storm, but it's now official.

The carrier has begun rolling out the software upgrade via the Desktop Software Manager and Web-based software first, while the over-the-air update will be pushed out at 9:30 p.m. PST on Friday so you have three choices as to how you want to get the new software. You can check Verizon's support Web site for specific instructions.

We'll be installing the update on our review unit and making adjustments to our … Read more

Verizon expected to release firmware update for BlackBerry Storm

The RIM BlackBerry Storm has been out for about two weeks now, and the reviews of the first touch-screen BlackBerry have been mixed, skewing slightly more on the negative side. While the touch screen and features list get a thumbs up, there have been numerous complaints about the sluggish performance (check out the CNET user reviews for a sampling), but it looks like there might be a fix coming soon.

Verizon Wireless is expected to release a firmware update 4.7.0.75 for the BlackBerry Storm, though there's a bit of confusion as to the exact release date. … Read more

BlackBerry sales to disappoint Wall Street

Research In Motion is the latest smartphone maker to fall victim to the sagging economy.

The maker of the popular BlackBerry mobile devices late on Tuesday reduced its outlook for its fiscal third quarter, which ended on Saturday. The company said it expects to earn between 81 cents and 83 cents a share on revenue of between $2.75 billion and $2.78 billion. In September, RIM said it expected profits between 89 cents and 97 cents on revenue of between $2.95 billion and $3.1 billion.

RIM's executives blame the shortfall on the stronger dollar and the &… Read more

The 404 238: Where our post-Thanksgiving contest totally backfired

No matter how organized, some plans just don't work out the way they're supposed to. And sometimes, they just plain blow up in your face. On today's show, we learn that lesson to its fullest extent. What was supposed to be a funny story-telling contest turned out to be so depressing that we almost can't go on...but we do. We persevere and get through it, but before you listen to today's show be sure to prepare yourself! Get a box of tissues and stay away from sharp objects, we're going to get through this together.

The first half of today's show is hilarious, perverted, and interesting all at the same time. We play a clip from The Simpsons and discuss the show's current state, explore Australia's newest Silver Surfer initiative, segue into how to show your carnal love to a kiosk, and reveal details on the new Nokia N97 smartphone. But after the break, it all plummets downhill, because we reveal some responses to ongoing contest to see who had the most depressing Thanksgiving. Surprise surprise, some of the most humbling stories we've ever heard, and it makes us that much more thankful for the beautiful things we have. Wilson actually tears up a bit, and Jeff can't help but singing a verse from "Kumbaya." I do neither of those things, and instead choose to go to the opposite route and take the show back to its standard level of insensitivity and inappropo. After that, we wrap it up with an even more upsetting story about how Tina Fey wound up with the scar on her face, and we must reiterate that it doesn't make her any less hilarious, talented, or gorgeous. Tee-bear, if you're reading this, hit me up, girl!

Episode 238 Download today's podcast … Read more

Help choose the next CNET Prizefight: BlackBerry Bold versus...?

OK Crave readers, I need your help. The CNET Prizefight ring is setting up for a few final battles before the end of 2008, and one contender just waiting for its chance in the spotlight is the RIM BlackBerry Bold. Now usually, the editors make the decision about which two devices to compare, but frankly, I'm having trouble choosing the right competitor. I've got some ideas, but thought it would be nice to get your feedback as well.

I've already received a lot of reader e-mails wondering how the Bold stacks up to the iPhone 3G. However, … Read more

Verizon drops price on Samsung Omnia

Verizon Wireless is giving its customers a bit of an early holiday gift by cutting the price on the Samsung Omnia, which debuted less than a week ago. Originally priced at $249.99, you can now get the touch-screen Windows Mobile smartphone for $199.99 with a two-year contract and after a mail-in rebate.

Unfortunately, this drop comes a bit late for anyone who already ordered the Omnia online, but since the device won't hit stores till December 8, you'll save yourself 50 smackers. For more information on the smartphone, check out our full review of the Samsung Omnia.… Read more