On January 17th, 2020, Microsoft discovered and disclosed a zero-day vulnerability affecting Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11. Hackers could use this vulnerability to create websites that execute commands remotely on a visitor’s computer without their knowledge. This issue occurred when users browsed the page using any of the affected versions.
To address the problem temporarily, Microsoft changed the owner of a problematic.dll file (jscript.dll) and restricted access to the file for the “Everyone” group. However, this temporary solution caused additional problems, including Internet Explorer printing issues that disrupted many users’ workflows.
Microsoft continues to work on a permanent solution to fix the vulnerability while avoiding issues like Internet Explorer printing issues that have emerged from the temporary patch.
The company outlined the new issues as follows:
Implementing these steps might reduce the functionality of components or features that rely on jscript.dll. For example, client configurations using proxy automatic configuration scripts (PAC scripts) could stop working, depending on the environment. Unfortunately, other features may also experience disruptions.
As more users download the temporary fix, the scope of issues caused by it has grown larger than expected. Many users report Internet Explorer printing issues, especially when using HP and other USB-connected printers. They often encounter an I/O error when issuing a print command.
Additionally, some users have reported that MP4 files no longer play on Windows Media Player. Others note that printing to a Microsoft PDF file has also stopped working after applying the patch.
The situation leaves businesses and individuals with difficult choices. Running without the patch exposes your PC to potential attacks if you visit a malicious site. On the other hand, applying the patch might disable critical functionality. Microsoft has not yet provided an ETA for a permanent fix. Until then, users must carefully weigh the risks and decide what works best for their needs.
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